How Levi Strauss & Co is facing up to its diversity problem

Sam Peña-Taylor

This article explores how the American apparel brand Levi Strauss is working to make the company more equitable for people of colour.

Why it matters

Most companies systemically disadvantage people of colour, but Levi’s story shows how even apparently favourable surface-level statistics can conceal deeper problems that need to be addressed.

Takeaways

  • While a company can look diverse on the surface, the people of colour at Levi’s were mostly working in retail and distribution. Acknowledging problems requires sound data.
  • This is not a HR issue and it is not a marketing issue; difficult processes like attempting to undo systemic racism require the efforts of the whole company.
  • As well as tackling internal issues around diversity, brands can also find ways...

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