Cerner committed to diversity and inclusion, then shut down a Black Lives Matter forum

In the wake of nationwide protests against police brutality, executives at Cerner Corp. were forceful in denouncing systemic racism, inequality, and “oppression,” as one high-ranking official wrote in a company-wide email.

But the health care information technology firm has hardly matched its words with action when it comes to diversity, equity and inclusion.

On June 1, CEO Brent Shafer wrote in an email to Cerner employees that “Cerner’s core values serve as a strong foundation as we work to build a more sensitive, diverse and inclusive corporate culture.”

Days later, executive vice president and chief human resources officer Tracy Platt chimed in.

“During this tumultuous time, I feel strongly that we need to clearly communicate our support for equality, a lack of tolerance for oppression, and we need to address improvement opportunities related to diversity and inclusion within our company,” Platt wrote in an email to Cerner employees dated June 3.

On the same day, Cerner shut down a Black Lives Matter internal employee community forum. Other internal forums focused on topics such as animals, food and health and wellness are monitored but rarely removed, employees said.

Apparently, discussing pets and fitness is permissible — Black lives, not so much.

Most discussion boards are geared toward specific sectors within the company, employees said. But both serious and light-hearted threads are plentiful as well.

“We appreciate you voicing your support for Diversity and Inclusion in Cerner,” a community manager for the company wrote June 4 in an employee email.“We are closing the Black Lives Matter Yammer community so that we can keep these efforts building momentum together.”

Employees were directed to a different community page administered by Cerner higher ups on diversity and inclusion and another one with resources for African American associates, Platt told The Star Editorial Board.

“I followed with a message and a call to action to all of our leaders across the company with very specific action that we were expecting from them,” she said.

Days after the brutal death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, the company said publicly that it’s committed to developing a diverse workforce. The absence of any African Americans on Cerner’s executive leadership team and board of directors tells a different story.

Day Adams worked at Cerner for nearly seven years. Her last day as an associate program manager was Friday. She left the company for another opportunity and said issues with race did not prompt her departure.

But Adams said she rarely worked with a Black person in a leadership position during her tenure.

“Practice what you preach,” she said of Cerner’s stated goal.

Cerner, which benefits from one of the largest tax breaks in Kansas City for its $4.5 billion campus near 87th Street and Bannister Road, has hired a diversity and inclusion coordinator to address disparities in the workforce. Managers have been incentivized to hire candidates of color.

But the company’s response to a Black Lives Matter message board raises questions about its willingness to have frank conversations and tackle sensitive issues.

Sensitivity training, hiring a diverse staff and taking a stand against systemic racism and police brutality are now at the top of Cerner’s agenda, Platt said.

What took so long?

“Companies need to create a safe space for their associates to discuss grievances about the culture and be sensitive to social happenings,” Adams said. “That will drive motivation and loyalty to a company. That will drive a sense of empowerment and appreciation.”