Comments on: Did Komen’s Lack of Board Diversity Cause Its Crisis?

By: Luke Visconti

Luke Visconti — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 01:09:56 +0000

Regardless of whether or not I agreed with the decision, it is widely known to have been a very bad decision. That’s where diversity comes in. Do you even read DiversityInc, or are you being directed here by some group? We seem to get a lot of comments on certain kinds of articles. If you happen to be a regular reader, please stop – although I think my editorial philosophy has evolved, it’s been very consistent editorial over the past 13 years, and if you’re getting sick over it, you should not read us anymore. Luke Visconti, CEO of DiversityInc

By: Luke Visconti

Luke Visconti — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 23:29:46 +0000

A very good question, which I believe is answered in the breakdown of how donations are spent. Luke Visconti, CEO of DiversityInc

By: Guest

Guest — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 23:28:08 +0000

Luke, the question is why did she pick them as board members and why did she not make her board more reflective of women especially diversity women?

By: Guest

Guest — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 23:27:46 +0000

Great Point. Many Boards lack true diversity and keep making the same mistakes i.e. HP. Many search firms and CEOs are not engaged in the effort.

By: Guest

Guest — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 23:27:17 +0000

I’m done with the company. They are always raising money, but never show where it goes.

By: Pam Rome

Pam Rome — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 19:50:10 +0000

…and justifying your own way of thinking can work both ways as well! You can’t possibly think that every decision made by an organization that you happen to disagree with has something to do with lack of diversity! Give me a break! The fact is they caved against their own policies in order to be politically correct, and that will get all of us in trouble one day when we can’t even follow the policies of our organization in fear of someone disagreeing with us under the guise of political correctness. I’m sick of it!!!

By: Mike

Mike — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 18:38:40 +0000

I think that when you are dependent on the public for your funding, as most non-profit organizations are, including Komen, then bowing to public pressure is a necessity, not an act of cowardice as you seem to imply.

By: Robert J. Bennett

Robert J. Bennett — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 16:23:10 +0000

While it’s outside of “Diversity’s” focus, I think it also worth noting the the Komen foundation continues to accept siginfiant donations from food companies, who use BHA in their packaging. BHA is strongly linked to an increased proclivity, when introduced to young women, for the development of cancers specific to women. Presumably because they are concerned about losing funding, Komen is downplaying the evidence, which is being delivered outside the trational and conservative FDA outcomes – generally, as we know, supported by conservative drug company research. Perhaps a diverse board would be wiling to consider more forward thinking research. As a member of a family whose women have died young due to cancer, a once bright beacon of hope, the Komen foundation is now rendered tainted and self serving in my own view. Thank you

By: Luke Visconti

Luke Visconti — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 15:57:03 +0000

Did you read the article? Texas is not relevant, it's that four board members were from the same economic, demographic and philosophic mindset. Any four people from any one area who share those characteristics so tightly would be a problem on any board for any reason. It's not a healthy management practice. Luke Visconti, CEO of DiversityInc

By: KB

KB — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 15:40:26 +0000

The problem isn’t in their decision…whether you agree with it or not, that’s their right as an organization and a board to fund who they wish…the problem is folding under media and public pressure…if it was the right decision, why change your mind when pushed.

I also fail to see the relevance of Texan as a sign of lack of diversity. People in Texas are just as diverse as the rest of the country. Perhaps someone’s bias is showing.