Going, going, GONE: The Stripping of DEI from Companies and Why It Matters

Written by Janis Hillard |

Unless you’ve been living underneath a rock for the last couple of years, you’ve noticed what’s been happening: the brazen removal of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives from companies. What was once a growing commitment to promoting inclusive and equitable workplaces is now facing resistance.  Some companies have cited economic pressures or shifting priorities as reasons for the rollback, but we all know that this is just a smokescreen for their dirty doings.

In recent years, DEI initiatives have become critical frameworks for encouraging fairness and belonging in workplaces. It was designed to be a commitment to creating environments where people from all backgrounds feel valued and have equitable opportunities to thrive. However, a growing trend of companies like McDonalds, Walmart, Amazon, Meta, and now TARGET have come to disagree with the concept by completely removing their DEI programs. Naturally, this ruthless act has raised genuine concerns with their BIPOC employees and organizational culture.

WHY IT MATTERS

DEI efforts are not just about representation; they empower Black, Brown and Cultured folks to thrive professionally by creating equitable systems that encourage innovation and collaboration. Eliminating these initiatives sends a clear message that equity and inclusion are no longer prioritized. BIPOC employees may face a return to environments where microaggressions, discrimination, and lack of support go unaddressed, leading to higher turnover rates and diminished morale. This can be disheartening to historically marginalized communities in the workplace that have been subjected to hiring biases, lack of representation, and inequitable access to advancement opportunities.

Without it, the very inequities DEI seeks to dismantle, hinders progress toward workplace justice and reinforces the systemic challenges many cultured individuals already face. For true inclusion and equity, maintaining DEI must remain a priority.

STAY SANE

To navigate through this ever-changing shift, focus on building your network of support, such as connecting with colleagues who value inclusion. Advocate for equitable practices in meetings or with leadership to ensure fairness remains part of workplace culture. Seek out

allies to amplify your voice and share the responsibility of promoting inclusivity. Protect your well-being by setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care. And lastly, invest in personal development, such as learning more about DEI topics, to empower yourself as a voice for equity, even in difficult circumstances.

Whatever you choose to do, make sure you stay sane throughout.

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