RLJ Companies founder and Chairman Robert L. Johnson, who founded Black Entertainment Television (BET), recently applauded Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) for introducing Senate Resolution 11, which would support the RLJ Rule to promote workplace diversity.

"I want to commend Sen. Scott for introducing S. Res. 11 which calls for companies to increase diversity in the workplace and minority business opportunities,” Johnson said. “Sen. Scott continues to lead the charge on this important issue."

The rule, based on the National Football League’s Rooney Rule, would require companies to interview or consider two qualified minority candidates or minority businesses when hiring for management positions or vetting for vendor contract opportunities.

"In light of today's Newsday article which calls into question why Democrats in the Senate have very few or no minority staffers who hold senior positions working in their offices, I would urge Republicans and Democrats to join Sen. Scott in adopting The RLJ Rule,” Johnson said. “I trust that Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer (D-NY) will take the lead on behalf of the Democrats, as he suggested in the article, on this important economic issue. I would also encourage President-elect [Donald] Trump ... to demonstrate his commitment to promoting economic opportunities for minorities by asking the Republican-controlled Congress to adopt Sen. Tim Scott's Resolution."