
Why Are NASDAQ's Diversity Rules for the Board Room Facing Legal Pushback?
01/05/25 • 34 min
What happens when corporate boardrooms fail to reflect the diversity of the society they serve? Today, we tackle this pressing question as we discuss the controversial rejection of NASDAQ's diversity rules by a US Appeals Court in New Orleans. We explore the crucial role of appointing judges capable of understanding diverse perspectives and the broader societal implications of their decisions. Let's go beyond the courtroom to uncover how demographic shifts, like the undeniable influence of minority populations on US growth since 2010, are reshaping the corporate landscape. We promise you'll gain insights into why these changes matter and the nuanced challenges they present to DEI initiatives in corporate America.
CONTINUED LEARNING
- Nasdaq Board Diversity Rule (Nasdaq Listing Center)
- Navigating the Nuances of Board Diversity in NASDAQ-Listed Companies (Harvard Law)
- US appeals court rejects Nasdaq’s diversity rules for company boards (AP News)
- Appeals Court Strikes Down Nasdaq’s Board-Diversity Rules (WSJ)
Stay With Us
- Watch and Subscribe to The E Word on YouTube.
- Follow Karen on LinkedIn and learn more at Colossal Work.
- Follow Brittany on LinkedIn and learn more at BND Consulting Group.
What happens when corporate boardrooms fail to reflect the diversity of the society they serve? Today, we tackle this pressing question as we discuss the controversial rejection of NASDAQ's diversity rules by a US Appeals Court in New Orleans. We explore the crucial role of appointing judges capable of understanding diverse perspectives and the broader societal implications of their decisions. Let's go beyond the courtroom to uncover how demographic shifts, like the undeniable influence of minority populations on US growth since 2010, are reshaping the corporate landscape. We promise you'll gain insights into why these changes matter and the nuanced challenges they present to DEI initiatives in corporate America.
CONTINUED LEARNING
- Nasdaq Board Diversity Rule (Nasdaq Listing Center)
- Navigating the Nuances of Board Diversity in NASDAQ-Listed Companies (Harvard Law)
- US appeals court rejects Nasdaq’s diversity rules for company boards (AP News)
- Appeals Court Strikes Down Nasdaq’s Board-Diversity Rules (WSJ)
Stay With Us
- Watch and Subscribe to The E Word on YouTube.
- Follow Karen on LinkedIn and learn more at Colossal Work.
- Follow Brittany on LinkedIn and learn more at BND Consulting Group.
Previous Episode

How Does Diverse Admissions at the Naval Academy Challenge National Security Narratives?
Can diversity in military education strengthen national security? Join us as we explore the groundbreaking federal court ruling that upholds the Naval Academy's race-conscious admissions policy. This decision is not just a bureaucratic victory but a significant stride towards ensuring that our armed forces reflect the rich diversity of the nation they serve. As we dissect the heated debates surrounding this ruling, we challenge the intentions behind removing race and gender from admissions criteria and question the motivations of groups like Students for Fair Admissions (SFFA) who seek to eliminate these considerations. With personal insights and connections to the military, we argue for the importance of inclusive policies that allow anyone—regardless of race, gender, or background—to defend their country and contribute to its security.
CONTINUED LEARNING
- Judge upholds use of race in Naval Academy admissions (Navy Times)
- Federal Judge Upholds Racial Preferences in Naval Academy Admissions (New York Times)
- Naval Academy can consider race in admissions, federal judge rules (Washington Post)
Stay With Us
- Watch and Subscribe to The E Word on YouTube.
- Follow Karen on LinkedIn and learn more at Colossal Work.
- Follow Brittany on LinkedIn and learn more at BND Consulting Group.
Next Episode

Costco Board says YES to DEI
Costco has made headlines by affirming its commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), resisting external political pressures that many corporations face regarding these essential policies. This episode explores the implications of Costco's stance for the retail sector while discussing the challenges other corporations encounter in balancing internal ethics with external demands.
• Costco’s board’s unanimous decision supports DEI initiatives
• The impact of political pressure on corporate DEI policies
• Contrast between Costco’s commitment and Walmart’s rollback
• Importance of DEI in building consumer trust and loyalty
• Leadership responsibility in fostering an inclusive corporate culture
• The necessity for internal DEI teams to counteract external pressures
• Future implications for corporate governance concerning DEI
Kudos to Costco's board of directors for showing exemplary leadership and bravery in standing by their policies.
CONTINUED LEARNING
- Did Costco just reset the narrative around DEI? (Retail Dive)
- What brands can learn from Costco's no-nonsense defense of DEI (Fast Company)
- In Costco’s Defense Of DEI Efforts, Lessons For (Forbes)
- Costco People & Communities (Costco)
Stay With Us
- Watch and Subscribe to The E Word on YouTube.
- Follow Karen on LinkedIn and learn more at Colossal Work.
- Follow Brittany on LinkedIn and learn more at BND Consulting Group.
The E Word - Why Are NASDAQ's Diversity Rules for the Board Room Facing Legal Pushback?
Transcript
Hey Brittany , Hi Karen , how are you ? I'm good . How are you ?
Brittany S. HaleI am doing well . I've got some peppermint hot cocoa here with my Santa .
Karen McFarlaneWith your black Santa Claus .
Brittany S. HaleI love it .
Brittany S. HaleIf you like this episode you’ll love
Episode Comments
Generate a badge
Get a badge for your website that links back to this episode
<a href="https://goodpods.com/podcasts/the-e-word-418001/why-are-nasdaqs-diversity-rules-for-the-board-room-facing-legal-pushba-81270567"> <img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/goodpods-images-bucket/badges/generic-badge-1.svg" alt="listen to why are nasdaq's diversity rules for the board room facing legal pushback? on goodpods" style="width: 225px" /> </a>
Copy