Statement of Twitter Diversity Data from the Level Playing Field Institute

The Level Playing Field Institute (LPFI) has issued the following statement in response to Twitter’s decision to release its diversity data that shows the social media company is mostly white and male.

From Jarvis Sulcer, Executive Director of the Level Playing Field Institute:

“Twitter’s diversity data further illustrates that the tech industry is overwhelmingly white and male,” stated Dr. Jarvis Sulcer, Executive Director of the Level Playing Field Institute. “It is disheartening that while African Americans and Latinos over index as a percentage of Twitter’s users, this demographic is extremely underrepresented in its workforce. Releasing this data is the start of an important transformation in Silicon Valley.”

From Allison Scott, Director of Research and Evaluation at the Level Playing Field Institute:

“Transparency is the first step towards addressing the significant racial and gender disparities that exist in Silicon Valley,” stated Dr. Allison Scott, Director of Research and Evaluation at the Level Playing Field Institute. “It is essential to fill the tech pipeline with more diverse talent and invest in programs that prepare underrepresented students for tech careers.  Moreover, companies must reflect on the workplace culture that pushes some out of the pipeline and blocks other from even entering.”

Dr. Scott recently released authored an Op-Ed calling for greater focus on women of color in the discussion of Silicon Valley diversity.

###

Level Playing Field Institute is committed to eliminating the barriers faced by underrepresented people of color in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) and fostering their untapped talent for the advancement of our nation.