Major employees for big companies are now required to comply with high standards of racial equality. Past misconduct can be disqualifying, regardless of the race of the applicant. Alexi McCammond, an outstanding Black journalist, was about to become editor of Condé Nast’s Teen Vogue when earlier digital comments she had made apparently induced her to withdraw before her start date. And Dennis White, Boston’s Black police commissioner, was removed from office by Kim Janey, the Black acting mayor, because of a negative report on his prior domestic violence conduct and the cover-up report.
The higher standards imposed for the equal treatment of Blacks also establish a rigorous standard for Black conduct. There should be no excuses for anyone.