In recent years, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives have gained momentum across the United States, driven by widespread campaigns for social justice following the death of George Floyd in 2020. However, a new report reveals that these programs have experienced a significant decline in 2023, raising concerns about their long-term impact. According to data provided by job site Indeed, DEI-related job postings have declined by 44% this year, with a 23% drop in November compared to the previous year.
The reduction in DEI initiatives at companies can be attributed to two main factors. Firstly, many companies have shifted their priorities amidst layoffs, resulting in cutbacks in DEI programs. Secondly, the threat of discrimination lawsuits has also played a role in the reduction. Research from 2022 indicates that DEI jobs were cut at a higher rate than other positions, particularly in the tech industry.
Tech giants like Google and Meta have been among the companies that have slashed their DEI programs this year, despite their commitments following the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests and riots. Devika Brij, CEO of Brij the Gap Consulting, which works with tech companies on DEI efforts, revealed that some companies have cut nearly 90% of their DEI budget by midyear 2023. Additionally, several corporations have modified their internal diversity policies due to threats of lawsuits from conservative groups. JPMorgan Chase and five other major U.S. companies revised their diversity policies after receiving public shareholder letters claiming that their DEI programs constitute illegal discrimination.
Prominent figures such as Elon Musk, Bari Weiss, and Bill Ackman have also called for the abolishment of DEI altogether in recent months, contributing to the growing backlash against these programs. Musk, the CEO of Tesla, caused controversy with his statement on social media that “DEI must DIE.” Ackman, a billionaire hedge fund manager, criticized DEI initiatives and advocated for a return to merit-based hiring. The Free Press founder Bari Weiss has also expressed her opposition to DEI.
Furthermore, DEI initiatives have faced setbacks in other arenas. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled this year that Harvard’s use of affirmative action in admissions was unconstitutional, dealing a significant blow to the university’s DEI initiatives. The ruling is expected to inspire more challenges to DEI practices in the employment arena. In addition, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt, both Republicans, have banned DEI in state colleges and universities.
Looking ahead to 2024, there is a growing momentum among critics of DEI who see the reduction in these programs as a success in fighting what they perceive as reverse discrimination. Will Hild, the executive director of Consumers First, expressed his support for the decline of DEI initiatives, stating that they exist as “jobs programs for otherwise unemployable mediocrities who ruin everything they touch.”
The decline in DEI initiatives raises concerns about the future of diversity and inclusion efforts across various sectors. As companies cut back on these programs, the long-term effects on workforce representation and equality remain uncertain. The debate surrounding DEI continues to be a contentious issue, with both supporters and critics advocating for their respective positions.
