DEI

2025 - 1 - 31

Trump vs. DEI: The Great Diversity Showdown of 2023!

Activism - Business Strategy - Corporate Governance - Diversity - Equity - Inclusion - Trump - Workplace Culture

Is Trump's war on DEI a masterclass in distraction, or is he onto something? Dive into the heated debate surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace!

In recent years, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) has become a focal point in corporate America, aiming to create a more balanced and equitable workplace. However, President Donald Trump has taken a hard stance against DEI initiatives, suggesting that they are detrimental to organizations and even hinting that these programs contributed to critical incidents, like the tragic plane collision claiming 67 lives. This perspective has stirred up significant controversy, as many view it as a diversionary tactic rather than a legitimate critique of DEI principles. With politicians using DEI as a political tool, how do companies navigate this treacherous landscape?

As the rhetoric heats up, several major U.S. companies have faced backlash for scaling back their DEI programs, siding with Trump’s perspective. Despite the pushback, many businesses are steadfast in their belief that promoting diversity is not only ethical but also beneficial for their bottom line. Studies show that diverse teams often lead to greater creativity and innovation—a factor that no business can afford to overlook in today's competitive market. However, the uncertainty surrounding DEI initiatives has left those responsible for fostering these values feeling the pressure.

The question remains: What would a second term for Trump mean for DEI programs? Since his initial tenure, Trump has used executive orders to undermine diversity efforts, sparking concern among HR professionals and advocates for equality. Should he take the Oval Office again, many predict an even stronger push against DEI, forcing businesses into a complex balancing act between complying with the law and preserving their commitment to inclusive practices. The political landscape around DEI is not just a matter of corporate culture, but one that speaks to the broader issues of equity and representation in our society.

Despite the tumult, those in the DEI realm can take heart: the call for equal opportunity remains intact, making it crucial for employers to not only comply with legal requirements but also genuinely commit to their diversity efforts. Navigating a landscape clouded by external pressures is challenging, yet important progress can still be made.

Interestingly, DEI programs were once lauded as essential to fostering a harmonious workplace, with studies showcasing their positive impact on employee satisfaction. Meanwhile, did you know that companies with diverse leadership are 33% more likely to outperform their competitors? The war on DEI continues to present a unique juxtaposition where those advocating for diversity are finding themselves at odds with political motivation. As the narrative evolves, it's essential to stay informed and keep this important conversation alive!

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Image courtesy of "CNNMoney"

Trump is attacking DEI. Big businesses believe DEI is valuable (CNNMoney)

President Donald Trump on Thursday blamed the Federal Aviation Administration's “diversity push” in part for the plane collision that killed 67 people in ...

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Image courtesy of "The New Yorker"

What's the Point of Trump's War on D.E.I.? (The New Yorker)

Jay Caspian Kang writes that Donald Trump has turned D.E.I. into an excuse for everything that goes wrong in the country in order to distract from his ...

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Image courtesy of "Fox Business"

Trump leads a pushback against DEI, but these companies are not ... (Fox Business)

More than a dozen major U.S. companies have made headlines for rolling back their diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs over the past year, ...

Post-EO DEI Assessments: What Are They and Why Should You Do ... (jacksonlewis.com)

Challenges to DEI programs are at an all-time high, but it remains the law that employers are required to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO). That said, ...

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Image courtesy of "Bloomberg"

DEI Jobs Are Hard But Not Hopeless Right Now (Bloomberg)

It's an uncertain time for those tasked with increasing diversity and inclusion in their companies. Still, there are ways to move forward.

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Image courtesy of "BreakingNews.ie"

What is DEI, a practice Trump is trying to dismantle? (BreakingNews.ie)

Since taking office on January 20th, US president Donald Trump has issued a series of executive orders aimed at dismantling diversity.

Trump And DEI: What Does A Second Term Mean For Employers? (Mondaq News Alerts)

In the flurry of executive orders issued shortly after being sworn for a second term, President Donald Trump issued two executive orders and one ...

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Image courtesy of "Foundation for Individual Rights in Education"

UConn's DEI medical oath is not what the doctor ordered (Foundation for Individual Rights in Education)

For millenia, medical students have taken the Hippocratic Oath, solemnly pledging to prioritize the well-being of patients and “abstain from whatever is ...

Private Employers and Trump's Executive Order on DEI: | JD Supra (JD Supra)

On President Trump's first full day back in the Oval Office, January 21, 2025, he issued an executive order targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion...

Navigating The New Executive Orders: Impact On DEI And Gender ... (Mondaq News Alerts)

The executive orders do not mean that companies need to cease practices intended to diversify their workforce and to promote inclusion and belonging.

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Image courtesy of "The Guardian"

Trump's demands to drop DEI leads to deletion of unrelated federal ... (The Guardian)

IRS handbook containing mentions of taxpayers' 'inequity' and 'inclusion' have been wiped, WSJ reports.

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Image courtesy of "Pioneers Post"

The Editor's Post: DEI is under threat, but can it hide in plain sight? (Pioneers Post)

Can the DEI agenda survive Trump's attack? Davos's diversity problem and fund managers feel 'squeezed' by Better Society Capital. This week's view from the ...

DEI in Flux During Annual Reporting and Proxy Filing Season | JD ... (JD Supra)

Companies with forthcoming annual report and proxy statement filings should consult with counsel regarding recent regulatory and legal developments...

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Image courtesy of "The Columbus Dispatch"

What is DEI? More on the initiative, what companies rolled back DEI ... (The Columbus Dispatch)

Diversity, equity and inclusion programs, commonly referred to as DEI, have been discussed frequently in recent years. You may have heard of it at the ...

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Image courtesy of "The Wall Street Journal"

Trump's DEI Ban Prompts Universities to Halt Research, Close Offices (The Wall Street Journal)

President Trump pledged during his campaign to end DEI but the breadth of his executive orders last week still stunned university leaders who have spent years ...

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Image courtesy of "HR Dive"

'A clarion call': How employers should respond to Trump's private ... (HR Dive)

As you undoubtedly have read, President Trump has ended DEI in the federal government and has revoked executive order 11246, which required affirmative action ...

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Image courtesy of "Treasury and Risk"

Abandoning DEI Now Is a Strategic Misstep (Treasury and Risk)

Fostering inclusive workplaces can drive innovation, strengthen employee engagement, and position organizations for long-term success in diverse markets.

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Image courtesy of "ESG Dive"

Target ends some DEI initiatives, reiterates commitment to ... (ESG Dive)

Chief Community Impact and Equity Officer Kiera Fernandez cited “the importance of staying in step with the evolving external landscape.” Published Jan.

Some Black business owners say Target boycott over DEI policies ... (WUNC)

MICHEL MARTIN, HOST: Target once touted its commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, a promise that seemed particularly important to a company ...

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Image courtesy of "CBS News"

Activists call for boycott of Target following rollback of DEI initiatives (CBS News)

Activists are calling for a nationwide boycott of Target stores following the company's decision​ to roll back its diversity, equity and inclusion ...

The latest call to boycott Target is over its DEI rollback (Morningstar.com)

After Target Corp. last week became the latest major company to announce a rollback in its diversity, equity and inclusion plans, some activists are asking ...

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Image courtesy of "CDOTrends"

Did DEI Die? Maybe It's Just Resting (CDOTrends)

Forget quiet evolution. The fight for a truly inclusive workplace has become a high-stakes game of corporate chess, with political forces, social upheaval, ...

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Image courtesy of "The Associated Press"

Colleges change program names, review titles under Trump's DEI ... (The Associated Press)

Around the United States, colleges and universities are cautiously navigating the Trump administration's crackdown on diversity, equity and inclusion ...

Eight Questions Employers and Federal Contractors Are Asking ... (JD Supra)

The new EO first takes aim at DEI programs by rescinding the long-standing Executive Order 11246, which includes the nondiscrimination and affirmative action ...

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