The Wall Street Journal

Companies Quietly Recast DEI to Duck Backlash

Shifting political winds have corporations taking a new tack to diversity goals they once broadcast

People protesting in West Palm Beach, Fla., in February against efforts to eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion programs.
People protesting in West Palm Beach, Fla., in February against efforts to eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion programs. Photo: Cristobal Herrera-Ulashkevich/Shutterstock

Corporate America’s diversity, equity and inclusion campaign is going incognito. It’s a pragmatic move—unless a company has Harvard-level supplies of fight and funding.

Businesses that once trumpeted efforts to hire more women and people of color recognize flaunting such initiatives today is liable to attract unwanted scrutiny from the Trump administration, courts or influential activists like Robby Starbuck.

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