DEI Is Under Attack. Here's What's Happening And Why

Over the past two years, about half of US states have introduced or passed anti-DEI legislation. Anti-DEI bills have been signed into law by 10 governors (sometimes multiple bills being signed in one state) and mostly target or forbid DEI programs at state schools and at the government level.?

The recent push towards DEI programs started after the country’s racial reckoning that took place after George Floyd’s death in May of 2020. DEI programs have been around for decades, but after the murder of George Floyd they started to spring up en masse across the country.?

However, this racial reckoning isn’t being embraced by everyone. Some Americans have pushed back against DEI initiatives, calling them anti-American and even racist.?

Before we take a look at how DEI is being attacked and why, let’s understand what DEI is.?

What Is DEI?

There are many misconceptions surrounding DEI. Businessmen such as Elon Musk describe DEI simply as “racist,” while, billionaire Bill Ackman describes it as, “Inherently a racist and illegal movement in its implementation even if it purports to work on behalf of the so-called oppressed.”

With all these racially charged definitions flying around, it’s best we define what DEI is so everyone is on the same page.?

DEI stands for diversity, equity, and inclusion. DEI programs strive to create spaces where everyone feels heard, supported, and valued regardless of their religious, racial, or sexual background. Diversity, equity, and inclusion programs aim to create an environment where everyone has an equal opportunity to contribute and succeed.?

Despite the desire to create a professional environment where everyone can succeed, companies and politicians around the country are on a crusade to end DEI programs.?

Why It’s Seen As A Threat

DEI experts would argue that the term is not only widely misunderstood but unfairly being weaponized.?

On the other side, conservatives argue that DEI unfairly targets white employees. But it isn’t just conservatives and white men that have blasted DEI efforts. Liberals and those of color have at times criticized companies for adopting DEI policies, claiming they do so not to create meaningful change but as a PR stunt.?

The reason DEI was introduced in the first place was to address the unfair treatment those of color had to deal with in the workplace. Marginalized communities did not have equal professional opportunities - DEI programs sought to address this imbalance.?

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DEI programs do not seek to create a workplace where only those of a certain background can thrive, but rather a workplace where everyone, regardless of their identity, can feel safe, grow, and have equal opportunities.?

Popular DEI strategies include workshops that address inherent biases, teach employees to respect employees from different backgrounds, and show hiring teams how they overcome stereotypes and prejudices to hire better employees.?

Negative Consequences

A surge in DEI hiring took place in late 2020.

Between November 2020 and 2021, there was a 29% increase in job postings with DEI in the title. However, data shows that a 23% decline in postings with DEI in the title or description took place between November 2022 and 2023.?

Companies that have dropped DEI programs are more likely to experience high employee turnover, be less financially successful when compared with more diverse companies, have more hostile work environments, and are more prone to lawsuits than companies with strong DEI programs.?

Who Is Against DEI?

Big-name businessmen such as Elon Musk and Bill Ackman have spoken out against DEI, but despite their opposition, many C-suite leaders are in favor of DEI. In a survey that polled 400 business executives, 72% planned on building out their existing DEI programs. A paltry 4% reported a desire to cut or eliminate DEI from their company.?

When these executives were asked if they think these programs “improve the company,” a whopping 94% said that DEI “had a positive impact on recruiting, hiring, and retention.”?

The study also found that while executive leaders and HR were widely in favor of DEI, board members, shareholders, and external shareholders were far less receptive to the idea of DEI programs.?

At a legislative level, nearly all anti-DEI legislation put forward has come from Republicans. DEI is just one of the many “woke policies” Republicans are fighting against in the culture wars. When he was in office, Donald Trump executed an executive order preventing federal organizations from implementing DEI programs. He has since called DEI, “woke equity programs,” and has said that “every institution in America is under attack from this Marxist concept of ‘equity,’”

After taking office, President Biden rescinded Trump’s executive order.?

In recent years, Republicans have introduced dozens of anti-DEI bills, many of which have passed. Trump’s running mate J.D. Vance, introduced a bill himself, named, the “Dismantle DEI Act” that would effectively prevent the federal government from funding government agencies and contractors that have DEI programs.?

As far as the average American is concerned, about 6 out of 10 said diversity, equity, and inclusion programs are “a good thing,” according to a recent Washington Post poll.?

Interestingly, this number increases to 7 in 10 Americans after respondents read a definition of DEI. This suggests that with the proper education, many more Americans would be receptive to DEI programs, leading to a more fair, equitable, and profitable workplace for all.?

Moving Forward

Despite these attacks, the results are clear, DEI works.?

Companies that have implemented DEI strategies are more profitable, have happier employees, less employee turnover, attract better talent, and are more innovative than companies that have not adopted DEI policies.?

If you want to learn about how your company can integrate DEI, book a call so I can learn more about your company, your goals, and see how we can help you achieve them.?