§  MBRT Releases Diversity and Inclusion Report that Shows Hispanics Hold Only 1.1 Percent of Total Statewide Jobs including University System and Independent Higher Education Institutions

§  Study Underscores Gross Underrepresentation of Hispanics in Maryland State Government and Majority in Low Paid Positions

§  Hispanics are 9 percent of Maryland Population and Fastest Growing but Only Hold 0.01 Percent of Jobs in Maryland Government Workforce

§  There are no Hispanics in Maryland State Cabinet or Sub-Cabinet and Only two Hispanics in the top 200 Maryland State Jobs

§  Recommends that Next Governor Issue Executive Order to Hire 5,000 Hispanics over 5 Years and Appoint Hispanics to Cabinet and Top Jobs

Washington, D.C. – “As an organization representing all ethnic minority groups to advance opportunities for all, we are deeply concerned about the lack of diversity and inclusion of the fastest growing minority group in Maryland and nationwide”, said Roger A. Campos President & CEO.  There are many challenges facing Hispanics as the fastest growing community in the State of Maryland and civilian labor force. There are also critical issues impacting the Hispanic community such as income disparity, education, high school dropout rates, and the most important - job opportunities.  Maryland should be promoting its public workforce as a model of equal opportunity, diversity, and inclusion. Government agencies must lead by example and do a better job of offering employment to Hispanics.

Based on the State’s EEO Report for FY 2013 released January 1, 2014, there is irrefutable evidence that Hispanics are grossly underrepresented in the government workforce, paid less and lack the same job opportunities offered to other minority groups and non minorities.  This negligence is not compliant with public laws, protections, and objectives of fair and equal opportunity, and negatively impacts qualified Hispanic job applicants who are passed over for jobs. It is discouraging to Hispanic youth seeking employment opportunities. At the current pace, it may take 100 years to reach parity in relation to Hispanic population demographics. And, Hispanics will never fill this gap unless government leaders demonstrate a concerted will and commitment to diversify Maryland’s Statewide and government workforce to include more Hispanics.

About the Minority Business RoundTable: The Minority Business RoundTable is the only national non-partisan organization for CEOs of the nation's leading African-American, Asian-American, Hispanic-American, Native-American-owned businesses including small and large businesses, veteran, HUBZone and women entrepreneurs. Its members analyze and help formulate effective public policies that impact minority-owned business.  Our members work to create sustainable communities and national economic viability through successful public and corporate partnerships. For more information visit: www.mbrt.net.