Civil Rights Audit Standards – A New Tool to Guide the Way Forward

Thursday, July 25, 2024

In the face of increasing headwinds, it is more important than ever to support businesses in meeting the expectations of stakeholders and meaningfully advancing anti-discriminatory business practices.

To meet this moment, new tools are needed to guide the way forward. This webinar, co-hosted by PolicyLink and CapEQ, marks the launch of new Civil Rights Audit Standards for businesses, auditors, and everyone who has a stake in how business operates today and in the future.

Along with showcasing the new Standards, we shared how the Standards connect to other leading efforts and how they will be implemented over time, including through a civil rights auditor training program.

Developed by an independent cross-sector committee of leaders—including civil rights auditors, business leaders, civil rights groups, and investors—the Civil Rights Audit Standards are grounded in principles of nondiscrimination and will provide the much-needed guidance for businesses to conduct meaningful independent audits that win the trust of their stakeholders and advance responsible business practices.

These standards are also a core component of the Corporate Racial Equity Alliance’s recently released Business Standards for 21st Century Leadership.

Webinar speakers included:

Tynesia Boyea-Robinson, CEO of CapEQ
Farhana Khera, civil rights advisor and lead drafter of the standards
Evan Feeney, Color of Change; Civil Rights Audit Standards Committee Chair
Renaye Manley, Civil Rights Audit Standards Committee Vice-Chair
Mahlet Getachew, PolicyLink; Civil Rights Audit Standards Committee Member