The Rise of Racism and Sexism in the US: The Reversal of DEI Policies in Tech and Its Consequences

Over recent years, the United States has seen a troubling rise in racism and sexism, exacerbated by the rollback of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies, particularly in the tech industry. This trend has diminished opportunities for women and people of color in an industry already struggling with representation issues. The vilification of black professionals and women, often equated with incompetence under the guise of dismantling DEI initiatives, mirrors the anti-black sentiments encapsulated by South Africa’s term “swart gevaar.” This article examines the data behind these developments, explores their implications, and highlights the need for equitable policies in the workplace.

The State of Racism and Sexism in the United States

Racism and sexism have deep roots in the United States, but recent data suggests a worrying resurgence. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) reported a 36% increase in hate crimes in 2022 compared to 2020, with a disproportionate number targeting Black and Hispanic individuals (ADL, 2023). Simultaneously, sexism remains pervasive: a Pew Research Center study found that 42% of women in the workplace have experienced discrimination based on their gender (Pew Research Center, 2023).

These trends reflect broader societal shifts, where political and cultural rhetoric increasingly challenges the importance of diversity and inclusion. High-profile backlash against DEI programs has emboldened opposition to equitable practices, often portraying them as unfair advantages rather than tools to level the playing field.

The Reversal of DEI Policies in Tech

Tech companies, once at the forefront of DEI initiatives, are now retreating from these commitments. Major players like Meta, Twitter (now X), and Google have downsized or dismantled their DEI teams under the guise of cost-cutting (New York Times, 2024). This rollback has severe implications: women and people of color, who were already underrepresented, face even greater barriers to entry and advancement.

Representation in Tech

? Women comprise just 26.7% of the tech workforce, a figure that has remained stagnant for over a decade (Statista, 2023).

? Black professionals represent only 4% of the tech industry, despite constituting 13.6% of the U.S. population (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023).

The elimination of DEI initiatives has exacerbated these disparities, as mentorship programs, training, and recruitment pipelines designed to address systemic inequities are now disappearing.

Vilification of Black Professionals and Women

The rollback of DEI policies is often justified by associating these programs with lowered standards, perpetuating the narrative that black professionals and women are less competent. This rhetoric parallels South Africa’s “swart gevaar” ideology, which stoked fear of black empowerment by framing it as a threat to white dominance. In the U.S., opponents of DEI policies similarly weaponize meritocracy to delegitimize diversity efforts, ignoring the structural barriers that have long excluded marginalized groups.

Case Study: Pay Disparities

Pay gaps persist as a stark indicator of systemic inequities:

? Women in tech earn $0.82 for every dollar earned by their male counterparts (Hired, 2023).

? Black employees earn 17% less than white colleagues in equivalent roles (Glassdoor, 2023).

Without DEI policies to address these disparities, progress stalls, reinforcing stereotypes of incompetence among underrepresented groups.

Broader Implications

The dismantling of DEI policies and the rise in discriminatory rhetoric have far-reaching consequences. Organizations lose out on the benefits of diverse perspectives, including innovation, improved decision-making, and enhanced profitability. A 2018 McKinsey study found that companies in the top quartile for gender diversity were 21% more likely to outperform their peers, while those in the top quartile for ethnic diversity were 33% more likely to do so (McKinsey, 2018).

Moreover, the exclusion of marginalized groups perpetuates cycles of poverty and disenfranchisement, undermining social cohesion and economic growth.

Moving Forward: The Need for Equity

To combat these trends, it is essential to reaffirm the value of DEI initiatives and challenge the narratives that vilify marginalized professionals. This requires:

1. Transparent Metrics: Organizations must publicly track and report diversity data to ensure accountability.

2. Inclusive Leadership: Diverse leadership teams can drive cultural change and demonstrate the value of representation.

3. Policy Advocacy: Governments and advocacy groups must push for regulations that promote workplace equity.

The rise of racism and sexism in the U.S., coupled with the rollback of DEI policies, threatens to entrench systemic inequities in the workplace. In the tech industry, these developments have disproportionately impacted women and people of color, reinforcing harmful stereotypes and reducing opportunities for advancement. To counter these trends, it is vital to uphold DEI as a cornerstone of workplace equity, ensuring that talent and potential—not prejudice—shape the future of work.