Why The Backlash Against DEI Is An Opportunity To Get Better

The wave of enthusiasm for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion that began in 2020 started to wane in mid-2022, and has now turned into significant backlash. Corporate DEI budgets are being slashed, DEI consultancies are shutting down, and DEI initiatives are being attacked at many levels—including the recent Supreme Court decision to strike down Affirmative Action.

There has been a lot of speculation about the reasons for the backlash. Some individuals are blaming the backlash on resistance from existing power structures. Others believe that the backlash is due to resistance from white men who feel that DEI initiatives are discriminating against them. While there is undoubtedly some truth to both of these viewpoints, only a few DEI experts are asking what we in the field may have done wrong and how we can fix it.

The goal of this blog is to take a candid look at some of the problems in how DEI initiatives and programs are designed, positioned and implemented, and to try to learn from the current situation how we can address the backlash in fruitful and productive ways.