Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion for all

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Vision, mission, and strategy

Our vision is a Red Hat where diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are infused in all we do, and where all Red Hatters feel included, aligned to the business, and safe to be their authentic selves. We further envision a future where we more closely represent the global communities in which we live, work, and operate. This vision values and respects not only diversity of thought but also diversity of identity.


Our mission and core strategy to move us toward this vision is to make Red Hat a safe, inclusive place for all associates and increase the equitable representation of marginalized populations. We deliver on this mission by connecting the business to all voices and to the value of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Setting and aligning objectives

Our DEI strategy is based on four strategic pillars and objectives designed to improve associate engagement, well-being, and career development, as well as increase representation of the most marginalized communities worldwide.

Elevating and advocating for global associates from marginalized communities

Improving psychological safety and inclusive team dynamics around the world

Achieving a shared baseline of DEI understanding through active enablement

Activating inclusive hiring and development practices to increase representation at all levels

For each of these pillars, we have priorities, actions, key results, and metrics of success. All members of our senior leadership team have committed to including DEI goals in their management business objectives aligned to these strategic objectives.

Policies and Code of Business Conduct and Ethics

Red Hat maintains a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (“Code of Conduct”) and other policies and procedures that outline the responsibilities of Red Hat® associates and our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. These include the Global Policy Prohibiting Discrimination, Harassment, Bullying, Favoritism, and Retaliation; Equal Employment Opportunity Policy; Policy on Accommodation of Red Hatters with Disabilities; and Affirmative Action Policy, among others.

In all interactions—externally and internally—Red Hat does not tolerate unlawful discrimination, harassment, bullying, favoritism, or retaliation of any kind.

Red Hat prohibits any discrimination or harassment on the basis of age, physical or mental disability, race, color, ethnicity or national origin, sex, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religious belief, marital status, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Red Hat seeks to follow all applicable laws around the world that forbid discrimination when it comes to any aspect of employment, including hiring, firing, pay, job assignments, promotions, layoffs, training, fringe benefits, and any other term or condition of employment.

Furthermore, Red Hat does not tolerate unwelcome sexual advances or comments; racial, religious, sexist, or homophobic/transphobic slurs or jokes; or any other conduct, such as bullying, that creates or encourages an offensive or intimidating work environment.

Associate responsibilities

DEI is everyone’s responsibility at Red Hat. To achieve a truly inclusive culture takes intentional action every day by associates worldwide.

Every associate is asked to:

  • Adhere to our Code of Conduct, other company policies, and all applicable laws.
  • Respect the diversity and identities of all fellow associates, customers, partners, and members of our open source communities.
  • Create safe spaces for all associates to thrive and bring their authentic selves to work.
  • Learn about their own unconscious biases and potential discriminatory behaviors, and take actions to improve their intercultural and diversity competency.
  • Take any required training and enablement to ensure a more inclusive and ethical environment.

Leadership accountability

Leaders at all levels of the organization and around the world are further expected to help achieve our DEI goals and strive for inclusive, diverse teams.

Every leader is charged with:

  • Modeling inclusive and respectful behavior in the workplace.
  • Committing to individual performance goals aligned to our DEI strategic objectives.
  • Championing diversity of candidates and interview panels in our talent acquisition process.
  • Creating inclusive team environments, and providing equal opportunity and access to information and career advancement.
  • Reporting immediately to the appropriate People or Legal team representatives when becoming aware of an associate who may be subject to discrimination, harassment, or other unwelcome behaviors, such as bullying.
  • Holding individuals accountable—and following through with appropriate actions —when any associate engages in discrimination, harrassment, bullying, or other behavior deemed to create an unsafe environment for others or that is not consistent with our Code of Conduct, other policies, or applicable laws.
  • Providing reasonable accommodations for otherwise-qualified applicants or associates with a disability and in accordance with Red Hat’s policies.
  • Working with the Global People Team to provide reasonable flexibility for responding to other associate needs, such as those arising from religion, military status, parental/familial situations, or life transitional status.

Reporting inappropriate conduct or interactions

Red Hat associates who believe in good faith that they have experienced, witnessed, or learned of conduct that violates Red Hat’s Code of Conduct or other policies—including discrimination, harrassment, bullying, and retaliation—should immediately notify the Global People Team or the Legal department or make a report to Red Hat’s Compliance and Ethics Hotline, which can be done on an anonymous basis.

Prohibition of retaliation

Red Hat will not discipline, discriminate against, or retaliate against employees for reporting such conduct in good faith—whether or not such information is ultimately proven to be correct—or for cooperating in any investigation or inquiry regarding such conduct.

Consequences

Red Hat takes its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion seriously. Associates found to have violated Red Hat’s commitment as outlined in its Code of Conduct and policies shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary and/or corrective action. This may include but is not limited to written or verbal reprimand, suspension, reassignment, demotion, and termination of employment.

Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion

Red Hat is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion for all associates, as well as for our global communities of partners, customers, and open source contributors. We expect relationships with our customers, partners, and open source communities to exist in an environment based on mutual respect and professionalism.


Our DEI “why” statement is Inclusion inspires innovation.

Based on research from Coqual—a global, nonprofit think tank and advisory group—we know that innovative capacity resides in an inherently diverse workforce where leaders prioritize difference, value every voice, and manage rather than suppress disruption.


We will continue to work with our associates, our DEI communities, and the industry at large to create a more inclusive, equitable, and just environment for all, and to provide space for healing and growth. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are social and business imperatives, and they make Red Hat a more innovative and successful company.


Last updated September 12, 2021