Chad Engelgau, Chief Executive Officer of Acxiom – a global customer intelligence company based in Conway, Arkansas – released the following statement in relation to the ongoing U.S. District Court trial challenging Arkansas’ ban on gender-affirming care, and recent developments at the Conway School Board.
“Acxiom is committed to equal treatment of people. As we have stated before – including in joining an Amicus Curiae brief in this case – Acxiom has a committed interest in preventing Arkansas from codifying discrimination against transgender people and, in the process, deterring current and potential employees, customers and businesses from participating in the Arkansas economy. We will always defend our core, organizational values, all of which are underpinned by our belief that all people, regardless of gender identity, should be afforded dignity, respect, and equal treatment under the law.
Unfortunately, these values continue to come under attack, including recently in our headquarters’ community of Conway. The anti-transgender policies approved by the Conway School Board, along with bans on two books with LGBTQ+ themes, are at odds with Acxiom’s values and seem in direct conflict with Conway Public School’s stated values of Value and Respect.
We are further concerned that the school board is considering a policy that will prohibit the teaching of certain topics related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. This policy seeks not only to prevent but even punish educators from instilling in our youth knowledge of past practices on these topics. Practices that are at odds with the ideals of value and respect. Knowledge that could help prevent them from happening again in America.
As a global data and technology company, our business continues to change and evolve. One thing that is a constant is our desire to find and nurture, without bias, the best talent to help us serve our clients. We continue to seek diversity of experience, diversity of backgrounds and diversity of thought, and encourage this within Acxiom, our communities, and beyond.”
