SAP ends diversity programs to comply with Trump administration

What does DEI stand for?

What does DEI stand for?, Historical roots of DEI, Specific companies scaling back DEI initiatives, Brown-Forman, John Deere, Tractor Supply, Impact of DEI on workplace culture, Criticism and challenges of DEI, Challenges of measuring DEI impact, The intersection of DEI and ESG, The future of DEI, The role of leadership in driving DEI, Generational perspectives on DEI

DEI stands for diversity, equity, and inclusion. It's a common term used in business and other spaces to refer to fair and equitable hiring practices. Some critics feel it could be considered reverse discrimination, however. 

Equity

What does DEI stand for?, Historical roots of DEI, Specific companies scaling back DEI initiatives, Brown-Forman, John Deere, Tractor Supply, Impact of DEI on workplace culture, Criticism and challenges of DEI, Challenges of measuring DEI impact, The intersection of DEI and ESG, The future of DEI, The role of leadership in driving DEI, Generational perspectives on DEI

Equity means to treat everyone fairly and provide equal opportunities.

Historical roots of DEI

What does DEI stand for?, Historical roots of DEI, Specific companies scaling back DEI initiatives, Brown-Forman, John Deere, Tractor Supply, Impact of DEI on workplace culture, Criticism and challenges of DEI, Challenges of measuring DEI impact, The intersection of DEI and ESG, The future of DEI, The role of leadership in driving DEI, Generational perspectives on DEI

DEI has evolved drastically from a 1960s compliance-focused effort against racial bias to a strategic business imperative today. Originally, DEI focused on gender and racial equity but it has expanded over the years to include broader identities.

Specific companies scaling back DEI initiatives

What does DEI stand for?, Historical roots of DEI, Specific companies scaling back DEI initiatives, Brown-Forman, John Deere, Tractor Supply, Impact of DEI on workplace culture, Criticism and challenges of DEI, Challenges of measuring DEI impact, The intersection of DEI and ESG, The future of DEI, The role of leadership in driving DEI, Generational perspectives on DEI

The following slides will highlight some of these companies but it's not an exhaustive list. The extent of cutbacks can vary and there are changes every day.

Meta

What does DEI stand for?, Historical roots of DEI, Specific companies scaling back DEI initiatives, Brown-Forman, John Deere, Tractor Supply, Impact of DEI on workplace culture, Criticism and challenges of DEI, Challenges of measuring DEI impact, The intersection of DEI and ESG, The future of DEI, The role of leadership in driving DEI, Generational perspectives on DEI

Not long after Mark Zuckerberg announced the end of Meta's fact-checking program, the company also announced they'd be ending all major DEI programs effective immediately. 

Walmart

What does DEI stand for?, Historical roots of DEI, Specific companies scaling back DEI initiatives, Brown-Forman, John Deere, Tractor Supply, Impact of DEI on workplace culture, Criticism and challenges of DEI, Challenges of measuring DEI impact, The intersection of DEI and ESG, The future of DEI, The role of leadership in driving DEI, Generational perspectives on DEI

Walmart is the world's largest retailer and in November 2024, it confirmed that it would not be renewing a five-year commitment to an equity racial center set up in 2020. Additionally, the company will no longer consider race and gender as a litmus test to improve diversity in suppliers.

Lowe's

What does DEI stand for?, Historical roots of DEI, Specific companies scaling back DEI initiatives, Brown-Forman, John Deere, Tractor Supply, Impact of DEI on workplace culture, Criticism and challenges of DEI, Challenges of measuring DEI impact, The intersection of DEI and ESG, The future of DEI, The role of leadership in driving DEI, Generational perspectives on DEI

In August 2024, the retailer decided they would no longer participate in the HRC index. Additionally, they would stop sponsoring parades and participating in events that are not in their core business areas.

Brown-Forman

What does DEI stand for?, Historical roots of DEI, Specific companies scaling back DEI initiatives, Brown-Forman, John Deere, Tractor Supply, Impact of DEI on workplace culture, Criticism and challenges of DEI, Challenges of measuring DEI impact, The intersection of DEI and ESG, The future of DEI, The role of leadership in driving DEI, Generational perspectives on DEI

Brown-Forman which is known for its Jack Daniel's whiskey and other beverages, emailed its employees with the message they'd no longer be participating in initiatives such as the HRC index.

John Deere

What does DEI stand for?, Historical roots of DEI, Specific companies scaling back DEI initiatives, Brown-Forman, John Deere, Tractor Supply, Impact of DEI on workplace culture, Criticism and challenges of DEI, Challenges of measuring DEI impact, The intersection of DEI and ESG, The future of DEI, The role of leadership in driving DEI, Generational perspectives on DEI

John Deere, the farm equipment maker, said in a July 2024 statement that they will no longer sponsor "social or cultural awareness" events.

Google

What does DEI stand for?, Historical roots of DEI, Specific companies scaling back DEI initiatives, Brown-Forman, John Deere, Tractor Supply, Impact of DEI on workplace culture, Criticism and challenges of DEI, Challenges of measuring DEI impact, The intersection of DEI and ESG, The future of DEI, The role of leadership in driving DEI, Generational perspectives on DEI

Google has rescinded the commitment it made in 2020 to increase the representation of minority groups in its leadership by 30% within five years.

Target

What does DEI stand for?, Historical roots of DEI, Specific companies scaling back DEI initiatives, Brown-Forman, John Deere, Tractor Supply, Impact of DEI on workplace culture, Criticism and challenges of DEI, Challenges of measuring DEI impact, The intersection of DEI and ESG, The future of DEI, The role of leadership in driving DEI, Generational perspectives on DEI

Target has canceled a program it initiated following the death of George Floyd to help Black employees build meaningful careers, improve shopping experiences for Black customers, and promote Black-owned businesses. The company also plans not to renew its DEI initiatives that focus on promoting women and people from minority groups, as well as working with diverse brands. 

Tractor Supply

What does DEI stand for?, Historical roots of DEI, Specific companies scaling back DEI initiatives, Brown-Forman, John Deere, Tractor Supply, Impact of DEI on workplace culture, Criticism and challenges of DEI, Challenges of measuring DEI impact, The intersection of DEI and ESG, The future of DEI, The role of leadership in driving DEI, Generational perspectives on DEI

In June 2024, the retailer announced that it was dropping its DEI program and ending all DEI-related roles. 

Impact of DEI on workplace culture

What does DEI stand for?, Historical roots of DEI, Specific companies scaling back DEI initiatives, Brown-Forman, John Deere, Tractor Supply, Impact of DEI on workplace culture, Criticism and challenges of DEI, Challenges of measuring DEI impact, The intersection of DEI and ESG, The future of DEI, The role of leadership in driving DEI, Generational perspectives on DEI

According to the same Catalyst study, women who work in inclusive workplaces experience less discrimination and harassment.

Criticism and challenges of DEI

What does DEI stand for?, Historical roots of DEI, Specific companies scaling back DEI initiatives, Brown-Forman, John Deere, Tractor Supply, Impact of DEI on workplace culture, Criticism and challenges of DEI, Challenges of measuring DEI impact, The intersection of DEI and ESG, The future of DEI, The role of leadership in driving DEI, Generational perspectives on DEI

There are critiques of DEI efforts in the corporate world including the question of whether it is reverse discrimination or not. Others say that while DEI is helpful, there needs to be more training on implementing it.

Challenges of measuring DEI impact

What does DEI stand for?, Historical roots of DEI, Specific companies scaling back DEI initiatives, Brown-Forman, John Deere, Tractor Supply, Impact of DEI on workplace culture, Criticism and challenges of DEI, Challenges of measuring DEI impact, The intersection of DEI and ESG, The future of DEI, The role of leadership in driving DEI, Generational perspectives on DEI

There are several challenges in measuring the true impact of DEI efforts. For example, quantitative versus qualitative metrics: which is better? Or matters more? Additionally, bias in data collection and a lack of standardized metrics can cause confusion in the business world.

The intersection of DEI and ESG

What does DEI stand for?, Historical roots of DEI, Specific companies scaling back DEI initiatives, Brown-Forman, John Deere, Tractor Supply, Impact of DEI on workplace culture, Criticism and challenges of DEI, Challenges of measuring DEI impact, The intersection of DEI and ESG, The future of DEI, The role of leadership in driving DEI, Generational perspectives on DEI

DEI is an important component of the "social" pillar in the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) framework.

The future of DEI

What does DEI stand for?, Historical roots of DEI, Specific companies scaling back DEI initiatives, Brown-Forman, John Deere, Tractor Supply, Impact of DEI on workplace culture, Criticism and challenges of DEI, Challenges of measuring DEI impact, The intersection of DEI and ESG, The future of DEI, The role of leadership in driving DEI, Generational perspectives on DEI

Different sources have vastly different opinions on the longevity of DEI efforts in the workplace. Only with time will we see the impact that politics and economic challenges will play.

The role of leadership in driving DEI

What does DEI stand for?, Historical roots of DEI, Specific companies scaling back DEI initiatives, Brown-Forman, John Deere, Tractor Supply, Impact of DEI on workplace culture, Criticism and challenges of DEI, Challenges of measuring DEI impact, The intersection of DEI and ESG, The future of DEI, The role of leadership in driving DEI, Generational perspectives on DEI

DEI efforts are largely driven by a company's senior executives. These individuals hold a lot of power and can often directly impact how a company shows (or ignores) DEI efforts.

Generational perspectives on DEI

What does DEI stand for?, Historical roots of DEI, Specific companies scaling back DEI initiatives, Brown-Forman, John Deere, Tractor Supply, Impact of DEI on workplace culture, Criticism and challenges of DEI, Challenges of measuring DEI impact, The intersection of DEI and ESG, The future of DEI, The role of leadership in driving DEI, Generational perspectives on DEI

Consulting firm EY studied different generations in relation to DEI in the workplace and 63% of respondents currently prioritize Diversity, Equity, and Inclusiveness in choosing a company. For GenZ and millennials, it's even more important.

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