IPG Joins Coalition to Denounce Bias Around COVID-19

Rhea-AI Summary

Interpublic Group (NYSE: IPG) has joined a coalition of over 90 companies and NGOs to address diversity and inclusion issues related to COVID-19. This coalition, led by Ascend, aims to combat anti-Asian sentiment and support vulnerable groups affected by the pandemic. Their five-point action agenda includes promoting inclusion, raising awareness, denouncing bias, supporting communities, and providing donations. In May, IPG's Asian Heritage Group is hosting activities for AAPI month, including a virtual town hall to discuss rising discrimination.

Positive

• Joining a coalition of over 90 companies and NGOs to advocate for diversity and inclusion.
• Focus on combating anti-Asian sentiment and supporting vulnerable groups.

Negative

• None.

New York, May 13, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --  Interpublic Group (NYSE: IPG) announced today that it has joined a coalition of more than 90 companies and NGO partners to respond to issues of diversity and inclusion surrounding COVID-19 with specific denouncement of anti-Asian sentiment and an awareness of the disease’s unique impacts upon vulnerable groups. Led by Ascend, the NGO partners also include ALPFA, Catalyst, The Conference Board, Management Leadership for Tomorrow (MLT), National Association of Black Accountants (NABA), National Congress of American Indians (NCAI), National Organization on Disability (NOD), Out & Equal, and Tanenbaum. This coalition has adopted a five-point action agenda that includes:

1. Promoting Inclusion: Advocate for a diverse and inclusive workplace and society
2. Raising Awareness: Highlight the unique impacts of COVID-19 on vulnerable groups
3. Denouncing Bias: Encourage individuals to report virus-linked discriminatory acts against Pan-Asians and others in the workplace and in public
4. Supporting Community: Volunteer time and knowledge to aid frontline and COVID-19 victims and families
5. Donating: Contribute funds to support vulnerable communities and businesses negatively impacted

In collaboration with IPG’s commitment to this action agenda, IPG’s Asian Heritage Group (AHG), hosted a virtual town hall, and has planned other activities throughout the month of May in honor of Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) month. The virtual town hall, #WashTheHate, which draws its name from the campaign created by IW Group to combat the rising tide of hatred during the pandemic, addressed the rise in Anti-Asian sentiment and other marginalized employee segments. IPG’s Black Employee Network (BEN) has also partnered with the New York Urban League to host town halls focused on the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on New Yorkers of color.

“We are proud to join this coalition and respond to issues of diversity, equity and inclusion around COVID-19,” noted Michael Roth, Chairman and CEO of IPG. “DEI has long been a focus for us and it is an important lens for our business, particularly during these times as we see a disproportionate impact on vulnerable communities, and we want to ensure that we are doing our part to amplify these issues,” he continued.

 “The beauty here is having all of these constituents come together and look at a broad need for diversity and inclusion and take an actual stand against discrimination and bias during and post-COVID-19,” noted Heide Gardner, IPG’s Senior Vice President, Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer. ”We know there is a disproportionate impact on marginalized communities, and we want to ensure that we are doing our part to support these communities and their efforts,” she continued.

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About Interpublic
Interpublic is values-based, data-fueled, and creatively-driven. Major global brands include Acxiom, Craft, FCB (Foote, Cone & Belding), FutureBrand, Golin, Huge, Initiative, Jack Morton, Kinesso, MAGNA, McCann, Mediahub, Momentum, MRM, MullenLowe Group, Octagon, R/GA, UM and Weber Shandwick. Other leading brands include Avrett Free Ginsberg, Campbell Ewald, Carmichael Lynch, Deutsch, Hill Holliday, ID Media and The Martin Agency. For more information, please visit www.interpublic.com.

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Contact Information
Tom Cunningham
(Press)
(212) 704-1326

Jerry Leshne
(Analysts, Investors)
(212) 704-1439

FAQ

What is the significance of Interpublic Group joining the coalition on diversity?

Interpublic Group's involvement in a coalition of over 90 companies signifies a strong commitment to addressing diversity and inclusion, especially in the context of COVID-19.

What does the coalition's five-point action agenda include?

The coalition's five-point action agenda includes promoting inclusion, raising awareness, denouncing bias, supporting communities, and donating to vulnerable groups impacted by COVID-19.

How is Interpublic Group celebrating AAPI month?

Interpublic Group is celebrating AAPI month by hosting activities through its Asian Heritage Group, including a virtual town hall addressing rising anti-Asian sentiment.

Who leads the coalition that Interpublic Group has joined?

The coalition is led by Ascend and includes several NGOs advocating for diversity and inclusion.

What actions is Interpublic Group taking to combat discrimination during the pandemic?

Interpublic Group is taking action by promoting awareness of anti-Asian sentiment and supporting marginalized communities through its participation in the coalition.