Diversity, equity and inclusion programs under attack

Human Resources group eliminates ‘equity’ from diversity work as DE&I comes under attack

What you probably already know: SHRM, the largest human resources organization in the U.S., has announced it is removing the “equity” from its focus. “Effective immediately, SHRM will be adopting the acronym ‘I&D’ instead of ‘IE&D.’ This strategic decision underscores our commitment to leading with Inclusion as the catalyst for holistic change in workplaces and society,” SHRM wrote in a post on LinkedIn.

Why? Diversity, equity and inclusion policies have been under fire in recent years and many companies have either renamed or eliminated programs aimed at improving issues of equity within their businesses. Microsoft recently eliminated its DE&I team, John Deere cut its diversity initiatives, and Tractor Supply reversed its commitment to DE&I after facing a backlash from conservative groups on social media.

What it means: While SHRM says it remains committed to advancing equity, the organization works with many large companies and is almost certainly facing the same pressures their clients are when it comes to this backlash. This pushback isn’t just on social media. Well-funded organizations such as billionaire Edward Blum’s American Alliance for Equal Rights are suing organizations that focus on equity work, alleging discrimination against people in the majority. That means the risk for companies that remain focused on DE&I isn’t just reputational — it can also put them in the sights of organizations looking for a legal fight.

What happens now? Words matter, and eliminating the word “equity” from the work companies are doing to improve access to opportunity within their ranks and in the work they do for their customers will be impacted by these kinds of decisions. It’s also costing people jobs. Texas recently eliminated hundreds of public sector jobs after the state enacted a DE&I ban at college campuses. Black women, in particular, are facing attacks as many were appointed to DE&I roles and subsequently have been on the front lines of the backlash.

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