Xerox is taking its diversity policy to another level.
The company is implementing something it calls the "Wilson Rule,” named after the company's first CEO Joseph Wilson, who Xerox says was a champion of equal opportunity.
The new policy is named after the "Rooney Rule," which ushered in diversity in NFL head coaching positions.
In terms of the Xerox team, the Wilson Rule requires that women and minorities be among the final pool of qualified candidates for every open management position in the U.S. Women will need to be among the finalists outside the U.S.
The new rule was referenced Tuesday at an event at the White House called Demo Day, which showcased the importance of diversity in entrepreneurship, particularly involving technology companies.
Xeorx Chairman and CEO Ursula Burns said that “Xerox has a long history of promoting diversity in its ranks…today, we have one of the most diverse workforces in the world. Through that diversity of backgrounds and perspectives, we gain the benefit of different ways of looking at our business, leading to innovative breakthroughs for our customers and more engaging work for our people.”
A Xerox official, Damika Arnold of Rochester attended the White House event. She is the company's Global Diversity and Inclusion Leader and says the company is committed to selected the best candidates based on skills, knowledge and achievement.
