Yahoo Finance Job ad slammed for seeking “preferably Caucasian” manager
A job advertisement seeking a “preferably Caucasian” account manager has been described as racist and potentially illegal after appearing online.
The job ad, from recruitment firm Cynet Systems, asked for a worker who was “preferably Caucasian who has a good technical background”.
The ad appeared on job websites including LinkedIn and Glassdoor beforing being shared on Twitter by coder Helena McCabe.
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“How could you POSSIBLY think that's okay?” McCabe commented.
Uh, hey @cynetjobs - what's with this?
Your job listing for a mid-senior level business development position's top qualification is "Preferably Caucasian"
How could you POSSIBLY think that's okay? pic.twitter.com/DPWzpgXqqE— Helena McCabe (@misshelenasue) April 27, 2019
Another user described it as “very illegal”.
Hey @LinkedIn, this very illegal and #racist advertisement is on your site. Do you condone racism now? Please clarify. We are all waiting with bated breath to hear your position on these matters. https://t.co/XXztW2X1Z0
— Sierra Swearingen (@Sierra_S_Todd) April 28, 2019
“Do you condone racism now?” they asked LinkedIn, which hosted the ad. “Please clarify.”
“I don't care what year it is, this is not acceptable @cynetsystems. It's wrong on every level. This isn't a training issue. This is a values issue that [sic] you need to snuff out quickly,” another social media user condemned.
I don't care what year it is, this is not acceptable @cynetsystems. It's wrong on every level. This isn't a training issue. This is a values issue thst you need to snuff out quickly. pic.twitter.com/o83pZdxDg9
— Ryan Ternier (@RyanTernier) April 28, 2019
In response, Cynet Systems described the ad as a “terrible mistake” on Twitter, and said the recruiter would undergo retraining.
However, further backlash on Twitter saw the company announce the recruiter had been fired.
“Cynet apologizes for the anger & frustration caused by the offensive job post,” the Tweet read.
“It does not reflect our core values of inclusivity & equality. The individuals involved have been terminated. We will take this as a learning experience & will continue to serve our diverse community.”
Cynet apologizes for the anger & frustration caused by the offensive job post. It does not reflect our core values of inclusivity & equality. The individuals involved have been terminated. We will take this as a learning experience & will continue to serve our diverse community.
— Cynet Systems (@cynetsystems) April 29, 2019
A statement from the company later noted the Indian-American ethnicity of its two owners, and the fact that 60 per cent of the firm’s employees are from minority groups.
“Cynet Systems itself is proud to be an immensely diverse company.”
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