Henry W. Bloch (1922- )

Henry W. Bloch, co-founder of H and R Block

One of the most publicized discrimination cases of the last two decades pertained to Henry W. Bloch, co-founder of H and R Block, the world's largest tax accounting firm. In 1990, Henry W. Bloch was rejected for membership from the Kansas City Country Club because he was Jewish. The fallout from the Club's decision was larger than they expected. Bloch's friend, professional golfer Tom Watson, withdrew his lifelong membership and publicly denounced the Board of Director's decision, embarrassing the club and forcing it to undergo major policy changes. Within a year, the club extended membership to Bloch, who became the first Jewish member in its ninety-four year history.