WASHINGTON–The CUNA Board of Directors has passed a resolution officially stating it supports diversity, equity and inclusion as a shared credit union cooperative principle, and further states credit unions have an ongoing responsibility to take a leadership role in building and serving more diverse, equitable and inclusive communities.
In an email to CUNA employees, CEO Jim Nussle said, "It's already a part of so much of what credit unions do each and every day. Our cooperative principles have guided us to fulfill our mandate and be a resource to all consumers – no matter their income, race, religion, profession, you name it. But we’re committed to doing more.”
While CUNA’s expressed its commitment to diversity, a CUToday.info review of the CUNA board shows it isn’t particularly diverse itself. All six members of its executive committee are white, and five of the six are male. Of the 20 other members on its board, six are female and just two are people of color.
Nussle said the passage of the resolution is a continuation of the trade group’s work to embrace diversity, equity and inclusion efforts within the organization.
“I also want to recognize that diversity, equity and inclusion is not straightforward. We all come to the table with different experiences and perspectives,” Nussle wrote. “As we continue dialogue around this important issue, I encourage everyone to share their ideas, raise concerns or ask questions.”
The board further resolved CUNA’s management is authorized to take any additional administrative actions necessary and appropriate to facilitate and implement clear, prominent DEI principles that are ultimately shared by all cooperatives.