Falcons' billionaire owner strongly backs DEI efforts: 'Should be the highest priority for our nation'
Arthur Blank's net worth is about $7.5B
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Atlanta Falcons team owner Arthur Blank said he "opposed" efforts to curtail diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in several states.
Blank, the 80-year-old Home Depot co-founder, donated $17 million to an Atlanta civil rights museum in 2021 and called to address the "underlying issues" that cause "systemic racism" in the wake of the 2020 George Floyd riots in Minnesota.
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{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank looks on before the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field on Sept. 25, 2022 in Seattle. (Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
He said on Tuesday at the NFL owners meetings that DEI initiatives should be a major priority in the country.
"The notion of pluralism and acceptance of everybody based on who they are and what they are and what they can do, et cetera, that should be the highest priority for our nation," Blank said, via The Athletic. "And certainly, in terms of job placement, job opportunities, things of that nature. So I would not politically or socially be in favor," (of rolling back DEI efforts).
Blank added, "DEI covers all of us, whether you’re White or Black or Hispanic, or whatever you may be. So I’d be very much opposed to that. And you know, cutting back I mean."
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank on the field during the fourth quarter in the game against the Los Angles Chargers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Nov. 6, 2022 in Atlanta. (Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
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The NFL’s DEI report released last week said the "hiring process for team leaders still needs to evolve, as does the thought process and evaluative criteria of many hiring managers – improved results need to flow from improved processes."
"Simply put, it is imperative to education, enlighten, encourage, and empower team owners and other key decision makeups to shift personal perspectives, perceptions, preferences, priorities and processes," the report said.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank on the field prior to the game against the Arizona Cardinals at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Jan. 1, 2023 in Atlanta. (Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
The league reportedly agreed to policies that recommend each franchise to hire third-party DEI consultants and each club will need to have a DEI lead executive.
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Blank is on the NFL’s DEI committee.