If your a business person, responsible for countless employees or have to make share holders happy. I'm sorry, go with the best talent possible, no matter race, gender, orientation. Best skills available, best attitude. Being forced or bowing to outside force pressure for a private company, not good for the health of the company. Make sure you lock up the skill to get the job done, always room to give people opportunity, as long as you have the core to carry the project.
I think its Management more than anything, poor vision from the top, or unclear vision. I am sure the employees themselves are fantastic people and wonderful people, also skilled enough to be in their jobs. If they aren't, that's Managements fault.