Support for DEI Declines
Support for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives has declined over the last year. This decline in support coincides with several large companies eliminating their DEI programs.
During the 2024 election, Trump and the GOP often railed against “woke” politics and DEI policies. But how do Americans actually feel about these social justice initiatives? Let’s find out.
According to a new Pew report, workers have grown modestly more negative about DEI over the last year. Currently, 52% of workers say focusing on DEI is a “good thing.” That’s a decline of -4 percentage points YoY. At the same time, 21% say focusing on DEI is a “bad thing.” That’s a rise of +5 percentage points YoY.
The most striking difference in opinion is by political party. 42% of those who lean Republican say DEI is a bad thing, while only 4% of those who lean Democrat say the same thing. This data underscores the ongoing polarization in American society.
Along with Republicans, the rise in negative sentiment is primarily driven by two other demographic groups.
Whites: 27% believe focusing on DEI is a bad thing. That’s an increase of +6 percentage points YoY.
Men: 29% are against DEI policies. That’s also an increase of +6 percentage points YoY.
These three groups are also the most likely to say that DEI policies hurt white men in the workplace: men, 45%; whites, 47%; and Republicans, 56%.
This trend has coincided with several high-profile changes in corporate DEI initiatives. Companies like Lowe’s, Tractor Supply, and Ford have scaled back or eliminated programs, often citing pressures from shareholders or activists. Additionally, reverse discrimination lawsuits have increased following the Supreme Court's ruling on affirmative action.
I suspect the anti-DEI movement will gain momentum in the coming years. Trump’s Cabinet picks have already vowed to scrub DEI policies from the federal government. And this political pressure will continue to bear down on corporate America.