Comcast Seeks to Block Shareholder Proposal for Independent Investigation Into Workplace Sexual Harassment

Following a series of high-profile workplace sexual harassment cases, NBCUniveral’s parent company, Comcast, is seeking to exclude a shareholder proposal that calls on the company to conduct an independent investigation into workplace sexual harassment and issue a report on “risks posed by the Company’s failures to prevent workplace sexual harassment.” The resolution, filed by the investment firm Arjuna Capital, cites former “Today” host Matt Lauer’s firing for “ongoing sexual harassment of employees,” and Ronan Farrow’s accusations that NBCUniversal may have covered up Lauer’s alleged misconduct, as reasons for Comcast to conduct an investigation and create a report. (NBCUniversal has denied any wrongdoing, and Lauer has denied the accusation of rape.) “On its face, the decision by Comcast/NBCUniversal to kill our sex discrimination resolution before it reaches an investor vote suggests they just don’t get it,” said Natasha Lamb, managing partner at Arjuna. “Attempting to cover up what is potentially a company-wide pattern of abuse is not a credible corporate response. In the case of workplace sexual harassment, sunlight is the best disinfectant, and continued attempts to sweep concerns under the rug sends absolutely the wrong signal to shareholders. Investors are legitimately concerned about their long-term wealth and the kind of...

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