As some companies roll back DEI, others stand firm on diversity efforts
Soror Shaiza | Jan 30, 2025, 23:51 IST
( Image credit : AP )
Despite pressure from conservatives and political leaders to scale back or eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, several major companies are pushing back. Delta Airlines and the Cleveland Cavaliers are holding firm, believing DEI initiatives are vital to both their culture and bottom line. As some businesses reduce or abandon DEI efforts, others are doubling down, citing the business case for diversity and its positive impact on innovation and profitability.
Corporate Resistance to the DEI Backlash
Amid a growing movement among conservatives to abolish DEI programs, some corporations, like Delta Airlines and the Cleveland Cavaliers, stand firmly on their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. While Walmart, Target, and Ford have rolled back their initiatives under political pressure, Delta, under the guidance of Eric Hendricks, director of pilot outreach, will continue to press forward, often championing the hiring and training of marginalized workers. "We're pressing on," Hendricks said. Similarly, the Cleveland Cavaliers hold the line, with the team's EVP of equity and impact, Kevin Clayton, emphasizing that DEI is an integral part of their corporate culture and community impact.
The Business Case for DEI
Companies that continue to prioritize DEI do so not just for moral reasons but also for tangible business benefits. Research shows that companies with diversity programs perform better financially. A 2023 McKinsey study found that companies with women on their executive teams were 39% more likely to be profitable. Sacha Thompson, an inclusive workplace consultant, suggests that the companies sticking with DEI—Costco, JPMorgan, Apple, and others—are seeing the positive results tied to their bottom lines. “When these companies that have kept it look at their data and say, ‘We’re not stopping these programs,’ it says to me that they are seeing a result that is tied to their bottom line,” Thompson explained.
For many of these businesses, DEI efforts are not just a response to external pressure but also a strategy that strengthens innovation, boosts employee retention, and creates a more diverse consumer base. Fatimah Gilliam of Azara Group notes that these companies understand the value of DEI programs in terms of profitability and long-term success.
The Political Landscape and Company Stances
While conservatives hold political power in the U.S., the decision to maintain or remove DEI programs is becoming a test of corporate courage. For companies like Delta and the Cleveland Cavaliers, maintaining DEI initiatives in the face of mounting opposition speaks to their long-term vision and commitment to equal opportunity. Diversity experts like Tana M. Session argue that these companies are positioning themselves for future success by staying true to their DEI values, regardless of political noise. "They are standing 10 toes down, holding to the middle ground, and they will see the benefits on the back end,” Session said.
National Urban League president Marc Morial has also voiced his opposition to efforts aimed at rolling back DEI, promising to fight for the progress made over the last 70 years. His message underscores the importance of protecting DEI gains from political challenges and ensuring that future generations continue to benefit from inclusive policies.
Consumer Power and the Future of DEI
The ongoing battle over DEI initiatives is also influencing consumer behavior. As some companies scale back their diversity programs, consumers, particularly people of color, may redirect their support toward businesses that continue to champion DEI. Tana M. Session predicts that companies like Target, which have featured products from minority-owned businesses and supported LGBTQ+ initiatives, could face a shift in consumer loyalty. Rather than outright boycotts, consumers may choose to invest their dollars elsewhere, supporting vendors that align with their values.
As the debate over DEI programs continues, it’s clear that the businesses standing firm on diversity are not just making a political statement—they’re investing in a future where inclusivity is not only a moral imperative but a competitive advantage.