Feb. 02, 2021
Vanessa Countryman, Secretary Securities and Exchange Commission Thank you for taking time to read this comment. I have been made aware of a proposed rule that will require Nasdaq-listed companies (subject to certain exceptions); A, to have at least one director who self-identifies as female; and B, as Black or African American, Hispanic or Latinx, Asian, Native American or Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, two or more races or ethnicities, or as LGBTQ+; or C, to explain why the company does not have at least two directors on its board who self-identify in the categories listed above. I do not agree to this proposed rule. The fact that race and sex will be a consideration for employment is a contradiction to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. One might even conclude that this proposal could violate the Equal Pay Act or even the Genetic Information Non-discrimination Act. Under all of these circumstances, the SEC cannot, with constitutional consistency, approve the proposed rule. When did we, as businesses, fail to recognize the merits of character and integrity over surface appearances? Shouldn't we be promoting on the basis of good standing, strong work ethic, honor, and reputation? It is revealing if the reader just snickered at the these qualities. People like this still exist. Yet they are passed over simply because of the color of their skin or gender. Sounds like matters investigated fifty five years ago, doesn't it? A sincere consumer, A. Christians