The Less-Than Clause

Introducing Ford Media Lab’s Less-Than Clause, an open-source legal disclosure for inclusion in statements of work to create a culture of accountability between agencies and clients on issues of diversity, equity and inclusion.


As a creative agency, we seek to foster a team with unique and diverse perspectives. We vow to build our team with intention, offering seats at the table to a diverse group of talent and providing a platform for their voices to be heard. Regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender or sexual orientation, we believe in equality and the right to feel safe, valued and respected in the workplace. No one should be made to feel less-than in any professional dealings as a result of their work with Ford Media Lab. As a commitment to our team, we pledge to hold our partners to the same standard. 

With this clause, we seek to do the following:

  1. Provide transparency into FML’s values with the intent of identifying like-minded partners.

    1. Our Team: We consciously aim to create and foster an inclusive and supportive workplace, intolerant of discrimination and bias. We vow to seek diverse and unique perspectives, fostering a working environment that unites and uplifts, and in which no one is made to feel less-than.

    2. Our Work: As creators and marketers, we seek to do work that is appropriate, inclusive and of which we are proud.

    3. Our Partners: We seek to engage in client relationships with like-minded partners who believe in equality and the right to feel safe, valued and respected in the workplace. We reserve the right to refrain from working with businesses and individuals that are in direct opposition to the following values:

      1. Inclusivity

      2. Respect

      3. Safety

      4. Fairness

  2. To raise the industry as a whole by sharing this clause openly.

How we will apply the Less-Than Clause

The Less-Than Clause will be included in our contracts effective immediately. Should it become apparent at any time that the values of any of our partners or clients are at odds with our values – i.e. creating an environment in which others feel less-than – this would constitute a breach and the contract will be subject to the following actions:

  1. Open communication and opportunity for correction

  2. Opportunity for either party to terminate the contract based upon misaligned values

    1. In the event that a contract has been pre-paid and is cancelled as a result of misaligned values, unused funds would be returned to the client, minus expenses incurred up to the date of the cancellation.


Want to include such a clause in your business’s contracts? Copy and paste the Less-Than Clause below.

Agency is committed to providing equal opportunities and fair treatment to all, regardless of, including but not limited to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or other characteristics. Agency always strives to be ethical and to never act in a manner that represses human dignity or integrity. Agency expects and demands that all those it does business with maintain the same standards. As such, Client agrees that it will, in performance of its obligations under this Agreement and in the operation of its business and otherwise, abide by the above principals, not only within compliance with the spirit and letter of the law but because this is the right thing to do and the right way to treat people. This is a material provision to this Agreement and any violation will allow for immediate termination by Agency and Agency will receive all fees and expenses owed for services rendered prior to termination.