For Immediate Release: January 31, 2023
Media Contact: Olivia Tran, olivia@riffcitystrategies.com
Green 2.0 Urges National Audubon Society to Address Longstanding Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Issues
The National Audubon Society continues to diminish the experiences and voices of people of color
Washington, DC — Green 2.0 — the movement builder working to increase racial and ethnic diversity in the green movement — today condemned the National Audubon Society’s failures to create a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace. A recent report by E&E News highlights concerns, both internal and external, over Audubon’s culture and lack of action. Repeated staff complaints of a toxic work environment at Audubon — combined with repeated turnover of staff in its diversity office — are alarming and unacceptable. People of color remain underrepresented in positions of leadership at Audubon, despite some progress over the last few years.
Green 2.0 Executive Director Andrés Jimenez issued the following statement:
“Commitment is measured by action, not promises. The National Audubon Society must act now to build a workplace and culture that is reflective of the diversity of the green movement.
For years, employees have voiced alarming concerns about Audubon’s treatment of staff of color. Yet, while more staff of color have been hired, their voices and perspectives seem to be ignored. The role of diversity, equity, and inclusion staff at any organization is to make changes that create a more equitable workplace, but if executive leadership sets roadblocks at every point, the organization will not change.
Since Audubon CEO Dr. Elizabeth Gray took over in May 2021, she has declined my invitations to meet personally to discuss these issues. We need action, not hollow words and empty promises.”
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ABOUT GREEN 2.0: Green 2.0 is a 501(c)3 independent campaign working to increase racial and ethnic diversity among environmental organizations. Green 2.0 believes in a powerful, winning environmental movement grounded in equity and inclusion. To learn more about Green 2.0, please visit: https://diversegreen.org