Amidst complaints of discrimination and racism from users seeking housing, Airbnb has brought on former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder to work on an anti-discrimination policy. In this effort, Holder joins Laura Murphy, the former head of the American Civil Liberties Union’s Washington D.C. Legislative Office, Robert Livingston of Harvard University and civil rights attorney John Relman.
In June, Airbnb faced the reality of a Harvard University study that found “widespread discrimination” by hosts against users with “black-sounding” names when black users took to social media to tell their personal stories using the hashtag #AirbnbWhileBlack.
Airbnb responded to the complaints, saying it would launch a review and announce findings in September. However, some frustrated users launched their own home-sharing companies, Noirbnb and Innclusive (formerly Noirebnb), to create more inclusive spaces for the black community.
During Holder’s tenure as U.S. Attorney General from 2009 to 2015, he championed for civil rights for minorities and the LGBTQ community. He oversaw the civil rights inquiry into the shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Mo. and issued a guidance for law enforcement in an effort to dispel police brutality. After Loretta Lynch was confirmed as his successor, Holder rejoined his former law firm, Covington & Burling.
His involvement in Airbnb’s efforts was announced in a blog published on Wednesday, written by Airbnb co-founder Brian Chesky.
“We understand that we have an obligation to be honest about our own shortcomings and do more to get our house in order,” wrote Chesky. “That’s why we’ve been talking more openly about discrimination and bias on our platform, and are currently engaged in a process to prevent it.”
Holder also noted Airbnb’s commitment to inclusivity.
“Airbnb is committed to building a community where everyone can belong, no matter who they are or what they look like. I’m eager to help them craft policies that will be the model for companies who share Airbnb’s commitment to diversity and inclusion,” Holder said in a statement.
Chesky highlighted the company’s effort to carry out real action: “We will not simply “address the issue” by doing the least required for liability and PR purposes.”
