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• Public Knowledge Encourages Silicon Valley to Make Diversity in Tech a Priority By Shiva Stella, May 24, 2016 – “Recently, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission published a “Diversity in High Tech” report investigating demographics within the technology sector, focusing on Silicon Valley. Conducted upon request by Rep. Bobby Scott (D-VA), the report points out that the sector is predominately white and male. Examining executive-level positions in high-tech alone, the report determines that only 20% of the talent pool is female and that those of color make up less than 16% of it at that level. Public Knowledge encourages Silicon Valley to welcome more diverse professionals into their ranks to promote innovation. “We’re extremely disappointed by the EEOC’s findings in this report, which further validate what we already know — that an imbalanced workforce in this sector poses additional barriers to women and minorities. These cultural barriers have real effects, limiting opportunities for women and those of color in an industry that simultaneously portrays itself as pioneering and open-minded. “We’re asking Silicon Valley to remain true to its claims of innovation and inclusion by expanding the talent pool for underrepresented groups as well as continuing to promote and invest in diverse executive leadership. Innovators from diverse backgrounds can help expand the report’s work far beyond Silicon Valley. Some of these attitude and policy changes can start from the bottom, but true change is spawned by leadership — and that begins at the top.  You can read the EEOC’s full report for more information…”