33 Ways to Address the Backlash Against Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)

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Executive Summary

Catalyst resources show you how to do DEI right—because DEI done right works.
Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practitioners are facing pressure to downgrade their efforts. It has been a concerning time of backlash, particularly in the US—from the Supreme Court ruling that struck down race-based affirmative action in university and college admissions to state restrictions on DEI programs in higher education in Florida, North Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, and Utah to Elon Musk tweeting that “DEI must DIE.” We know that taking part in DEI efforts is not only the right thing to do, it's also good for business. Catalyst research demonstrates overwhelmingly that when DEI is done right, it works. DEI is the way we create workplaces that work for everyone. Not only do we have evidence, but we have tools and solutions to set up companies implementing DEI efforts for success. DEI practitioners and organizational leaders should use a multi-pronged approach:
  1. Strengthen your messaging and ensure it resonates authentically.
  2. Share the facts.
  3. Use data to demonstrate how DEI initiatives get results.
  4. Stay ahead of the game by keeping an eye on the corporate implications stemming from the 2023 US Supreme Court decision on affirmative action.
No matter where your company is on its DEI journey, these resources enable everyone—from the C-suite to the front line—to thrive. How to communicate about DEI: How to do DEI right: How to be an inclusive leader: How employee resource group (ERG) leaders can navigate employee resistance: How to measure results: How company DEI initiatives succeed (Supporter-exclusive): US Supreme Court decision on affirmative action: