IBM as a Role Model for Equal Opportunity
We respect the rights of individuals to express their opinions, but we must take issue with views outlined in the article by James Leas (Editorial Pages, March 31), “IBM Is No Role Model for Equality.”
Your misleading headline is totally contradicted by IBM’s demonstrated worldwide commitment to equal opportunity and affirmative action. We are disappointed that the author did not reflect in his article the facts and viewpoints shared with him over an extended period of time by a number of IBM employees, some of whose primary responsibilities include South Africa.
The article ignores IBM’s leadership role in challenging the underpinnings of apartheid. Instead it promulgates simplistic solutions to very complex problems. Apartheid is a reprehensible system that every right-minded person wants to end. However, it is not likely to vanish without concerted efforts to change the social structure of South Africa.
We believe our presence in South Africa plays a positive role in that process. IBM was a leader in desegregating workplaces and prompting others to follow suit. We have promoted and funded housing programs that have given people a decent place to live. We have helped finance black businesses and worked to change laws that make it difficult--or even impossible--for black enterprises to prosper.
The article failed to adequately credit IBM’s education and training support efforts in South Africa. Education is one tool that will help spawn fundamental, positive changes there. That is why, in the past 10 years, IBM has contributed more than $10 million to education and training programs for black South Africans. In 1985 alone we pledged more than $15 million to additional education programs and projects that foster legal reform and black enterprise.
We are aware that, in a country where the majority of people are black, very few of our customers are black. That is precisely why IBM and other enlightened companies operating in South Africa have gone beyond their businesses into the communities to support projects that directly benefit black South Africans. Through such programs, IBM is contributing to the skills that will help black South Africans achieve their full potential, their just place in their society and their basic human right to self-determination.
There are those who argue that other courses of action will end apartheid more quickly than will the actions of corporations such as IBM. But we believe that economic activity can generate positive social change. We intend to continue our efforts as long as we can maintain a sound business and, together with others, contribute to peaceful change.
BERT REISMAN
IBM Director of
Communications Operations
Armonk, N.Y.
Editor’s Note: Leas replies that Reisman is correct that in 1985 IBM pledged $15 million to the black education programs, but the pledge was over five years, averaging $3 million a year, well within the “credit” of $4 million a year cited in the article.
