Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts look to ensure all employees, regardless of race or sex, get a fair shot. The recent Supreme Court decision to end affirmative action in college admissions does not affect companies’ abilities to run DEI programs – although it may impact their pipeline of incoming talent.
Read moreBig Pharma Patent Extension Abuse Threatens Healthcare and Human Rights
For decades, Trinity Health along with other members of the Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility’s Health Equity Group have made improving affordability of and access to medicines a focus for corporate engagements with the pharma sector. The United States has some of the highest prescription drug prices in the world. This affects not only patients who can’t afford needed medicines but also threatens healthcare budgets
Read moreThere is No ‘Just Transition’ Without Environmental Justice
Environmental justice ensures that everyone, regardless of income, race or national origin, has the same environmental protections and can meaningfully participate in policies that shape their communities. In reality, low-income communities and communities of color in the United States have faced a long history of racial inequity and environmental injustice.
Read moreAssessing Risks of AI Misinformation and Disinformation
Big Tech, including Amazon, Alphabet, Meta and Microsoft, is investing hundreds of billions of dollars to dominate the AI race. This year, shareholder proposals ask tech companies to increase transparency around AI and assess AI-related risks, particularly to children and elections
Read moreBig Tech Fails to Protect Children Online
In January 2024, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg appeared at a U.S. Senate hearing regarding online child sexual exploitation. In the back of the room stood parents holding photos of their children who died after online sexual exploitation and cyberbullying. At one point Mr. Zuckerberg said to them “No one should go through the things that your families have suffered, and this is why we invest so much and we are going to continue doing industry-wide efforts to make sure no one has to go through the things your families have had to suffer.”
Read moreThe Mandatory Board Director Say-On-Pay Bylaw By-Law Amendment
Shareholders have struggled to enforce corporate director accountability. Beyond contested board elections, shareholders today have little practical, direct impact on directors.
On one important subject, director pay, at almost all U.S. companies, directors have absolute authority over their compensation.
Read moreGood Corporate Governance Requires Active Board Monitoring of ESG Risks
In today’s marketplace, companies are under increasing scrutiny regarding their public impacts—and their governance of these matters. This has serious material implications for all stakeholders.
Read moreProxy Voting Could Bridge the Red and Blue Divide
Investors currently get the same voting advice from the leading proxy advisory firms, whether broadly diversified or highly concentrated. A portfolio-wide focus for voting makes more sense for diversified investors and investors concerned with environmental and social issues.
Read moreMotivating Progress on Climate with CEO Compensation
Companies increasingly are incorporating climate-related metrics into CEO pay packages. The effectiveness of CEO compensation as an accountability mechanism, however, hinges on at least three key factors.
Read moreThe European Union Driving Sustainability and Actionable ESG Data Forward
The arena of sustainable investment is evolving globally. For the European Union, the impact is clear: to operate in the EU, companies must elevate their sustainability game and material data disclosures.
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