Some of SHRM's largest affiliates stress independence after $11.5 million discrimination verdict

"Some of the largest affiliates of the Society for Human Resource Management have publicly reaffirmed their operational independence from the trade group after it lost an employee-discrimination lawsuit in a $11.5 million verdict. Business Insider identified LinkedIn posts from 10 US affiliates that reference the case that led to the so-called "nuclear" verdict on Dec. 5. That includes SHRM's largest affiliate, in Southern California, which has roughly 3,500 members. All the posts stress how the groups operate independently from SHRM international, which is based in Virginia."

""While we are an affiliated chapter of SHRM, we are not governed by SHRM's management, and we were not involved in this case," said New York City SHRM. "We have our own bylaws, board, finances, programming, and strategic priorities," wrote Chicago SHRM. NYC SHRM and Chicago SHRM say they have around 1,400 and 1,000 members, respectively. Similar statements were posted on LinkedIn by SHRM affiliates in the northeastern US, Texas, Oregon, Illinois, and California. The vast majority of affiliates have not publicly commented on the legal situation."

At least ten SHRM affiliates posted LinkedIn statements asserting operational independence after the international organization lost an employee-discrimination lawsuit resulting in an $11.5 million verdict, which the international group intends to appeal. Affiliates emphasized separate governance, bylaws, boards, finances, programming, and strategic priorities, and noted they were not involved in the case. Several large affiliates cited include Southern California, New York City, and Chicago, with roughly 3,500, 1,400, and 1,000 members respectively. SHRM reports 556 chapters worldwide and 51 state councils; the organization provides some funds to chapters and may require dues or encourage certification. Most affiliates have not publicly commented.

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