Open to All, Author at Open to All

Five Ways the Equality Act Expands Opportunity for All

Guest post by the Center for American Progress

Getting to Zero: Zero Discrimination Day and Open to All®

Zero Discrimination Day and Open to All

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACTS:

Calla Rongerude, Open to All, calla@opentoall.com

American Eagle Outfitters, Inc., sgordon@weareshadow.com

DICK’S Sporting Goods, press@dcsg.com

J.Crew Group, Press@JCrew.Com

Melissa Murdock, RILA, Melissa.Murdock@rila.org

On Zero Discrimination Day, American Eagle Outfitters, Inc., DICK’S Sporting Goods, J.Crew Group and the Retail Industry Leaders Association Partner with Open to All® to Advance Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Initiatives

New York, NY — March 1, 2021 — Today, on Zero Discrimination Day, Open to All® is honoring the call to “celebrate the right of everyone to live a full and productive life—and live it with dignity,” by welcoming American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (AEO), DICK’S Sporting Goods, J.Crew Group and the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) to the national campaign to bring an end to discrimination. These organizations join more than 500,000 businesses and over 200 nonprofits in partnering with Open to All, a public education campaign focused on the longstanding principles that affirm when a business opens its doors to the public, it should be open to everyone on the same terms.

Open to All is a nonprofit nondiscrimination campaign that believes everyone should be welcome regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, immigration status, religion or disability. Open to All partners commit to maintaining a welcoming and safe environment for people—including employees, visitors, customers, vendors and clients—and to not discriminate against any individuals or deny them goods or services based on any of these characteristics.

“We are thrilled to welcome American Eagle Outfitters, Inc., DICK’S Sporting Goods, J.Crew Group and RILA, who each support Open to All’s mission of eradicating discrimination from public space,” said Calla Devlin Rongerude, Director of Open to All. “These leading organizations and brands have a proven track record in diversity, equity and inclusion. By building a strong foundation and working actively to create an environment of equity, inclusion and empathy, employees are able to work in a welcoming and safe place while building lasting connections with the communities they serve.”

RILA, the US trade association for leading retailers, joins Open to All’s Public Education Coalition while new corporate sponsors AEO, DICK’S Sporting Goods and J.Crew Group have signed the Business Pledge, committing to values of diversity, equity and inclusion.

As an association consisting of over 200 retailers, product manufacturers and service suppliers, RILA reaffirms its mission to advocate and promote operational excellence and innovation in an ever-shifting industry. Recent diversity and nondiscrimination initiatives speak to all their efforts to advocate for an ever-changing and diverse workforce. To this effect, RILA recently delivered their 2021 Public Policy Agenda which outlines retail industry priorities on criminal justice reform, community safety during the pandemic and diversity and inclusion imperatives. RILA is a strong supporter of the Equality Act and is working with Congress to see it enacted into law.

“As the nation’s largest private sector employer, the retail industry has embraced its role in advancing diversity, equity and inclusion both within the retail workforce and within the communities the industry serves,” said RILA president Brian Dodge. “Retailers are engraining this work into core business values because we understand that equity demands constant dedication, awareness and learning. RILA is excited to join the Open to All campaign as we strive together to build a more inclusive and equitable retail ecosystem.”

AEO Inc. is a leading global specialty retailer that celebrates optimism and individuality by empowering its associates and American Eagle and Aerie customers to be their real, authentic selves. AEO is committed to creating real and lasting change by inspiring others to use positive actions to promote belonging, understanding, equality and kindness. AEO is dedicated to being part of the solution, which is reflected in recent initiatives such as appointing the company’s first Chief Inclusion & Diversity Officer; the launch of the AEO Real Change Scholarship for Social Justice to advance education opportunities for associates; its continued support of the Anti-Defamation League’s No Place for Hate school-based program to combat hate and discrimination at an early age; and the ongoing efforts to advance the careers of people of color through partnerships with the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Harlem’s Fashion Row and HBCUs.

“At AEO we know that every action we take—big or small—can have a huge impact. By pledging our support to Open to All, we affirm our commitment to being a company where customers and associates feel accepted, respected and empowered to be themselves,” said Jay Schottenstein, Jay Schottenstein, Executive Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, AEO Inc. “This is another step forward in AEO’s journey in helping to build a better world for future generations.”

With more than 850 stores and 40,000 teammates, DICK’S Sporting Goods believes it has a fundamental role to play in supporting a broad range of DE&I initiatives across the retail industry and within its company. DICK’S also recently invested $12.5 million in the Black Economic Development Fund to fuel minority lenders and anchor institutions and businesses as part of an effort to close the racial wealth gap.

“We are proud to partner with Open to All and stand with other businesses so we can continue to strengthen our communities and create spaces where everyone feels safe, welcome and respected,” said Lauren Hobart, DICK’S Sporting Goods President and CEO.

J.Crew Group’s commitment to social responsibility is woven into their DNA and a core focus for its J.Crew, Madewell and J.Crew Factory brands. J.Crew Group recognizes the importance of having a diverse workforce and is committed to increasing representation throughout all facets of the organization. In addition, Madewell has partnered with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) to educate their community and support their work to ensure equality for all, and recently joined the 15% Pledge, a nonprofit advocacy organization urging major retailers to commit 15% of their shelf space to Black-owned businesses.

“At J.Crew Group, we are committed to creating accessible and inclusive environments for everyone who is part of our community. Taking the Open to All pledge was a natural extension of our values,” said Libby Wadle, CEO of J.Crew Group. “We believe it’s crucial that our spaces are equitable and welcoming for everyone. We look forward to furthering our partnership with Open to All and engaging in continued dialogue with our entire community to make sure we are as inclusive as possible.”

Never before have so many businesses and nonprofits joined together in a single, unified campaign that sends a message that everyone is welcome, valued and respected. Because when a business is open to the public, it should be open to all. Businesses can sign the pledge at http://www.opentoall.com/business-pledge/.

For more information about Open to All or today’s announcement, please visit www.OpenToAll.com.

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About American Eagle Outfitters, Inc.

American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (NYSE: AEO) is a leading global specialty retailer offering high-quality, on-trend clothing, accessories and personal care products at affordable prices under its American Eagle® and Aerie® brands. Our purpose is to show the world that there’s REAL power in the optimism of youth. The company operates stores in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Hong Kong, and ships to 81 countries worldwide through its websites. American Eagle and Aerie merchandise also is available at more than 200 international locations operated by licensees in 25 countries. For more information, please visit www.aeo-inc.com.

About DICK’S Sporting Goods

Founded in 1948, DICK’S Sporting Goods, Inc. is a leading omni-channel sporting goods retailer offering an extensive assortment of authentic, high-quality sports equipment, apparel, footwear and accessories. As of January 30, 2021, the Company operated 728 DICK’S Sporting Goods locations, serving and inspiring athletes and outdoor enthusiasts to achieve their personal best through a blend of dedicated teammates, in-store services and unique specialty shop-in-shops.

Headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA, DICK’S also owns and operates Golf Galaxy and Field & Stream specialty stores, as well as GameChanger, a youth sports mobile app for scheduling, communications and live scorekeeping. For more information, visit the Investor Relations page at dicks.com.

About J.Crew Group

J.Crew Group is an internationally recognized omnichannel retailer of women’s, men’s, and children’s apparel, shoes, and accessories. [As of March 1, 2021,] the Company operates [152] J.Crew retail stores, [144] Madewell stores, and [168] J.Crew Factory stores in nearly every state in the United States, and also maintains J.Crew, Madewell, and J.Crew Factory websites. For more information visit www.jcrew.com, www.madewell.com and www.jcrewfactory.com.

About Open to All

Open to All is one of the most significant public education efforts to date that unites and galvanizes national leaders in business, civic engagement, and the nonprofit sector to support the shared American values of fairness and equality. In addition to the 500,000 business members, Open to All includes more than 200 nonprofit members spanning civil rights and racial justice organizations; LGBTQ equality organizations; health and disability organizations; faith organizations; and more. Open to All members are committed to building awareness and understanding about the importance of nondiscrimination—and to defend the bedrock principle that when businesses open their doors to the public, they should be Open to All. www.opentoall.com

About RILA

RILA is the US trade association for leading retailers. We convene decision-makers, advocate for the industry, and promote operational excellence and innovation. Our aim is to reimagine and transform the retail ecosystem—and equip leading retailers to succeed in it.

RILA members include more than 200 retailers, product manufacturers, and service suppliers, which together account for more than $1.5 trillion in annual sales, millions of American jobs, and more than 100,000 stores, manufacturing facilities, and distribution centers domestically and abroad. www.rila.org

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The Knot Worldwide Takes the Vow to Be Open to All®

The Knot Worldwide Furthers Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and Joins Open to All®

The Largest Global Digital Wedding Planning Company Pledges to Continue to Reject Discrimination and Offer an Inclusive Wedding Planning Experience Across its Platforms

January 26, 2021, New York, NY—Today, The Knot Worldwide, the global leader in digital wedding planning, joined Open to All and signed the Business Pledge, committing to the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion. In 16 countries around the world, The Knot Worldwide’s leading global family of brands inspire, inform, and celebrate communities as they move through life’s biggest milestones. The Knot Worldwide, with leading U.S. wedding planning brands The Knot and WeddingWire, joins more than 500,000 businesses, large and small, and over 200 nonprofits, in partnering with Open to All. Open to All is the public education campaign focused on the longstanding principles that affirm when a business opens its doors to the public, it should be open to everyone on the same terms.

“As the global leader in digital wedding planning, we are, and always have been, committed to ensuring that we are a brand for all. Since day one, The Knot Worldwide has welcomed all couples and wedding professionals on to our platforms—no matter their race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression —and we stand by our core belief of inclusivity,” said Tawanda Johnson, Vice President of People and DE&I for The Knot Worldwide. “We are equally committed to being an employer of choice and understand the importance of equity and representation in the workplace. We are proud to further our commitment to DE&I by joining Open to All.”

“Open to All is thrilled to welcome The Knot Worldwide to the Open to All coalition. From their demonstrated dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion in program and practice, to the launch of their new Fellowship for Change program, The Knot Worldwide has shown their deep commitment to the values of Open to All and to serving everyone with dignity and respect,” said Open to All Director Calla Rongerude. “As couples plan for the happiest day of their lives, they shouldn’t be worried that they or their guests will be discriminated against or mistreated. It is more important than ever for businesses to affirm inclusive values and The Knot Worldwide is leading the way in the wedding industry.”

Open to All is a nonprofit nondiscrimination campaign that believes everyone should be welcome regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, immigration status, religion or disability. Open to All businesses who sign the pledge commit to maintaining a welcoming and safe environment for people—including employees, visitors, customers, vendors and clients—and to not discriminate against any individuals or deny them goods or services based on any of these characteristics.

The Knot Worldwide’s most recent efforts around DE&I include the launch of Fellowship for Change, an eight-month intensive program that will provide career development opportunities for underrepresented wedding professionals in their first years of business. Created by WeddingPro—The Knot Worldwide’s business-to-business (B2B) brand that connects small businesses nationwide with millions of engaged couples through The Knot and WeddingWire—Fellowship for Change will offer qualifying small business owners (those who identify as Black, African American, Hispanic, Latinx, Native American, Alaska Native, Asian, Native Hawaiian, Other Pacific Islander, LGBTQ+, Woman-owned and/or Veteran-owned) exclusive educational resources, mentorship opportunities with renowned wedding professionals, networking, and financial support in the form of advertising on The Knot and WeddingWire. For more information about Fellowship for Change and to apply as a fellow or mentor, visit https://go.weddingpro.com/fellowship-for-change. The submission deadline for fellows and mentors is 11:59 p.m. ET on January 26th and Fellowship for Change will officially kick off for 30 fellows on March 1, 2021.

Additionally, underrepresented wedding pros now have the option to identify their businesses within The Knot Marketplace and WeddingWire Vendor Directory using storefront badges and Diversity filters, including Asian-owned, Black-owned, Hispanic or Latinx-owned, LGBTQ+-owned, Native American-owned, Veteran-owned and Woman-owned. The filters will launch on The Knot and WeddingWire in February for couples to easily search and book wedding professionals.

As millennials and Gen Z are two of the most diverse, multicultural generations in history, allyship has become an important component of wedding planning for couples, even if they don’t identify as part of an underrepresented group. Based on couple feedback, the ability to search for, and book wedding professionals who identify as one or more underrepresented groups is a growing wedding-planning priority. According to internal research from The Knot Worldwide, the majority of couples (55%) feel it’s important to be able to search for wedding businesses that are Black-owned, and further qualitative research indicates strong interest in also seeking out an inclusive and diverse vendor team.

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About The Knot Worldwide

With over four decades of expertise in the wedding industry, The Knot Worldwide is the largest global wedding planning company. The Knot Worldwide helps couples plan every aspect of their weddings, from finding inspiration and local wedding professionals to creating and managing all guest experiences, wedding registries and more through The Knot, WeddingWire, Bodas.net, Hitched.co.uk, WeddingWire.in, WeddingWire.ca, Matrimonio.com, Mariages.net and other brands. Having inspired and empowered more than 40 million couples to plan a wedding that’s uniquely them, The Knot Worldwide provides leading wedding marketplaces, personalized wedding websites, planning tools and registry services with its brands in 16 countries across North America, Europe, Latin America and Asia.

The Knot Worldwide also includes lifestyle brands The Bump for pregnancy and parenting, The Bash for bringing important celebrations to life with entertainment vendors, How They Asked for proposal inspiration and stories and more. The company has US offices in New York, New York; Washington, DC; Norwalk, Connecticut; Austin, Texas; Omaha, Nebraska; and Portland, Oregon; and international offices in Barcelona, Spain; Galway, Ireland; Guangzhou, China; Gurgaon, India; and London, England.

About Open to All

Did you know? Two in five U.S. retail shoppers have personally experienced unfair treatment on the basis of their race or skin tone.

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Open to All® Releases New Toolkit for Businesses That Want to Be More Welcoming and Inclusive

We Must End Systemic Racism; Companies Can Make a Real Difference

Open to All^® is a campaign to transform America towards a shared vision that everyone should be welcome regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, immigration status, religion or disability.

The senseless and heartbreaking killings of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade, and countless others—and the hate violence and ongoing injustice experienced by the Black community shows how far we still are from that ideal.

We know that building a stronger country means everyone should feel safe, respected and accepted as they live, work, go grocery shopping, go for a run or a walk in the park, and when they interact with law enforcement.

Open to All^® calls for an end to systemic racism and hate violence.

This moment requires Black voices to lead, and for the rest of us to truly listen and learn what real allyship requires. The time has long passed when silence is okay, when we watch from the safety of the sidelines—we must take action—not as a token towards inclusivity, but as a core and integral part of what it means to be a business in America. A business that looks towards a thriving and welcoming future where all are welcome. Where we are all valued. Where everyone can contribute. Where we are all safe. Where Black Lives Matter.

In the words of Archbishop Desmond Tutu, “If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor.” At a time of deep divisions, Open to All^® is encouraging companies to come together to build a better America and challenge racial injustice across this country. A journey begins with a single step. Here are just a few steps that companies, large and small, can take to make a difference:

Donate to a Black-led organization doing the work to fight racial injustice nationally and in local communities.
Make a public statement in support of Black customers, employees, colleagues and the Black community from company leadership and share it on social media.
Create a space for internal dialogue and provide resources, information and support to employees.
Make a commitment and continue to invest in diversity, equity and inclusion efforts including: hiring, retention & advancement policies, and anti-racist and bias training.
Engage with and listen to Black-led organizations nationally and locally to combat racism.
Explore ways to lift up, partner, and support businesses and brands owned by Black people, Indigenous people, and other people of color.
Lend a corporate or small business voice in support of policy changes at the local, state, and federal level that promote fairness and equity, and that prohibit all forms of discrimination.

We are proud to be a coalition of businesses who see fairness and inclusion as a core part of how they do business. Here are a few ways that Open to All^® companies are making the commitment to end systemic racism and hate violence: