DEI programs are in the public spotlight
Image: Badger Institute
In recent months, the diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts of universities and companies across the country have taken a step back due to a combination of legal and economic factors.
A few examples:
- In June, the US Supreme Court struck down affirmative action in all public and private colleges, removing the legal precedent that supported some existing DEI programs.
- Google, Meta, and other tech giants have laid off DEI staffers, downsized learning and development programs, and cut budgets for external DEI groups in 2023 due to an economic downturn. Overall, nearly 30% of workers who began a diversity-related role after mid-2020 have left the field altogether.
- Last week, Texas became the second state (after Florida) to ban all DEI initiatives at publicly funded colleges and universities.
The arguments: Critics of DEI programs, including Elon Musk, Bill Ackman, and many GOP lawmakers, argue that they incorrectly seek to achieve equality of outcome, rather than equality of opportunity. They also contend such programs violate discrimination laws by granting exclusive opportunities and funds to racial or ethnic minority groups.
- Proponents of DEI initiatives, including Mark Cuban and many Democratic lawmakers, argue that maintaining a diverse workforce (or student body) is a key part of attracting and retaining workers (or students), and typically improves an organizationâs performance by driving more innovation and helping to avoid group-think.
đ Looking ahead⌠Many business leaders say they're still committed to DEI initiatives, but with alterations to address the areas where they see the most potential legal or reputational risk. Some firms, like Blackstone, are changing job requirements to promote socioeconomic diversity without targeting a specific race or ethnicity, while others are focusing their efforts on employee wellbeing and inclusion.
đ Flash poll: In general, do you support diversity, equity, and inclusion programs at US universities and companies?
See a 360° view of what media pundits are saying â
Sprinkles from the Left
- Some commentators argue that itâs imprudent to pass judgment based on misleading claims about what DEI is or isnât in higher education, as such programs are ultimately aimed at strengthening the fabric of our democratic society.
- Others contend that investments in DEI programs may look shortsighted in the short term, but in the long run they pay major dividends by resulting in a workforce and leadership team thatâs set up to succeed.
- âRepublicans, donât fear DEI. Diversity offices like mine could only wish to be that influentialâ âMitchell J. Chang, LA Times
- âHarvard Is the Model for Attacking Corporate DEI Effortsâ âBeth Kowit, Bloomberg
- âDEI Is Not the Monster Hereâ âEddie S. Glaude Jr., TIME Magazine
Sprinkles from the Right
- Some commentators argue that DEI programs were deceptively sold as a set of policies designed to promote the fair treatment and full participation of all people, when in reality they proved to be epicenters of division and ideological conformity.
- Others contend that schools and companies should be celebrated for ridding themselves of DEI programs and employees, since they have become a cudgel for political conformity and racial grievance.
- âDEI is on the runâ âWashington Examiner Editorial Board
- âThe DEI Rollback of 2023â âWSJ Editorial Board
- âA Victory against DEI in Wisconsinâ âNational Review Editorial Board
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