A new study conducted by HR.com's HR Research Institute sheds light on the current state of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs within organizations, revealing a notable trend of continuity amidst a backdrop of significant political and legal upheavals. The research, which gathered responses from 784 HR professionals in early 2025, indicates that 58% of organizations have opted to maintain their DEI functions without any modifications. This decision comes at a time when only 8% of respondents reported making changes to their DEI initiatives, such as renaming or restructuring, and a mere 3% have discontinued their programs entirely.
The findings emerge against the backdrop of substantial shifts in the approach to DEI, particularly following the 2023 Supreme Court decision that put an end to affirmative action in college admissions and subsequent executive orders issued by President Donald Trump. These developments have created a multifaceted environment for organizations striving to navigate the complexities of diversity and inclusion strategies. The study further uncovered that 24% of organizations have never established a DEI function, with an additional 8% expressing a range of responses from uncertainty to contemplating future actions.
This evolving landscape underscores the careful consideration organizations are giving to their diversity and inclusion strategies in light of changing regulatory frameworks and societal expectations. The political and legal climate has introduced potential liability risks associated with diversity initiatives, compelling many organizations to reevaluate their strategies. This reevaluation is not only about compliance but also about balancing public discourse and interpretations of anti-discrimination laws.
While federal agencies and contractors have felt the immediate impact of recent executive orders, private-sector companies are experiencing less direct regulatory pressure. Nonetheless, the broader societal context continues to play a pivotal role in shaping organizational approaches to diversity and inclusion. HR.com's HR Research Institute is set to release a detailed report in late April 2025, offering deeper insights into the current state of workplace diversity efforts. For more information on the study, visit https://www.hr.com.
