Top 5 Diversity Stories of 2015

As the New Year starts to roll in, we look back to the year that was. Here are the top diversity stories that grabbed national headlines and generated conversations in 2015.

Starbucks Diversity Campaign

One of 2015's biggest diversity stories was Starbucks diversity campaign in March, “Race Together” which unfortunately, for all its best intentions, received a lot of negative criticisms.

- Read more here:

In this link, read about Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz's explanation behind the controversial “coffee cup race campaign.”

One opinion article has something to say in favor of focused attention on remedying unjust policies. Read more about it in this link:

The marketing campaign’s backlash included sarcastic tweets revolving around the #RaceTogether hashtag, but the corporation’s intentions did earn support from one community leader in St. Louis, Missouri. Alderman Antonio French, who has remained vocal on ending racial tensions since the shooting death of Michael Brown, applauded the move. - Read more at:

See also this and this

Dixon White's Call Against Racism and White Supremacy

A campaign called for by one man became a viral story and topic of discussion – Dixon White's call against racism and white supremacy. It generated its own controversy, such as when Facebook was reported to have taken down a video by Dixon White urging people of all races to contribute their own thoughts and experiences on these volatile topics.

See here; See also:

Legalization of Same-Sex Marriage in the US

In June 2015, same-sex marriage became legal in the USA.

A deeply divided Supreme Court on Friday delivered a historic victory for gay rights, ruling 5 to 4 that the Constitution requires that same-sex couples be allowed to marry no matter where they live. The court’s action rewarded years of legal work by same-sex marriage advocates and marked the culmination of an unprecedented upheaval in public opinion and the nation’s jurisprudence. - Read more at: 

This link gives the history of same-sex marriage laws and the states where same-sex marriage was legal prior to the SC ruling in 2015.

Transgender Service in the Military Being Readied by Pentagon

Defense Secretary Ash Carter announced in July 2015 Pentagon's plan to allow transgenders to serve in the military.

In a statement, Carter announced an attempt to “deal with” the issue, “on the presumption that transgender persons can serve openly without adverse impact on military effectiveness and readiness”. - Read more at:

In relation to this, one Wall Street Journal article talks about a new study on the cost of providing specialized medical care to transgenders should they be allowed to serve.. - Read more at: 

Viola Davis' Historic Win as Emmy's Best Actress in Drama

It was a historic win for African American Viola Davis, who won as Emmy's Best Actress in Drama, being the 1^st woman of color who ever did. - Read more at:

This link shows the video of Viola Davis giving her stirring speech.

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