The HR.com's HR Research Institute has unveiled findings from a comprehensive study on the state of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs across organizations, revealing a notable trend of continuity amidst a backdrop of significant political and legal upheavals. Based on responses from 784 HR professionals in early 2025, the study found that 58% of organizations have not modified their DEI structures, despite the evolving regulatory and social environment.
Only a small fraction of organizations, 8%, have made changes to their DEI initiatives through renaming or restructuring, with an even smaller percentage, 3%, discontinuing their programs altogether. This data emerges at a critical juncture, following the 2023 Supreme Court decision to end affirmative action in college admissions and subsequent executive orders by President Donald Trump, which have collectively reshaped the discourse around diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
The study also uncovered that 24% of organizations never established a DEI function, with another 8% expressing uncertainty or considering future actions. These findings underscore the complex balancing act organizations face in aligning their diversity strategies with both legal compliance and societal expectations. The potential liability risks associated with diversity initiatives in the current political climate have prompted a cautious approach among many employers.
While federal agencies and contractors are directly affected by recent policy changes, private-sector companies navigate a less regulated but equally challenging environment. The broader societal context, including public discourse and anti-discrimination legal interpretations, continues to play a significant role in shaping organizational approaches to DEI. The HR Research Institute's forthcoming comprehensive report, expected in late April 2025, promises to offer deeper insights into how workplaces are adapting their diversity efforts in these uncertain times.
