Quick-to-read HR news & insights
From recruiting and retention to company culture and the latest in HR tech, HR Brew delivers up-to-date industry news and tips to help HR pros stay nimble in today’s fast-changing business environment.
President Trump addressed Congress for the first time on Tuesday night, and took a direct shot at DEI practices. But his claims were not in line with reality.
“We’ve ended the tyranny of so-called diversity, equity, and inclusion policies all across the entire federal government and indeed the private sector and our military and our country will be woke no more,” Trump said.
Yet, just one in four (24%) companies reduced their DEI efforts in 2024, according to a recent survey from the law firm, Littler. While dozens have backed off their DEI commitments over the last year, more companies—including Apple, LVMH, JPMorgan, and HP—appear to be staying the course.
What’s more uncertain is how companies will move forward with their DEI initiatives, and Trump appears to have some sway as to what will happen next. While 49% of C-suite executives told Littler they’re not considering “new or further” rollbacks as a direct result of Trump, 51% are considering changing their DEI policies or practices.
Most (60%) executives said they are still in “wait-and-see” mode, and more than half (55%) are strongly or somewhat worried about potential lawsuits, government enforcement of anti-DEI orders, and shareholder proposals than they were before the inauguration.
Companies may opt to practice DEI more quietly. Some 61% of those considering changes said they may remove or reduce public-facing DEI language, while 52% said their next moves may be influenced by their competitors.
Contrary to what the president said, DEI is far from dead. But we’ll be watching closely to see who makes the next cut.