33 Ways to Address the Backlash Against Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)
February 16, 2024Catalyst 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:
- Strengthen your messaging and ensure it resonates authentically.
- Share the facts.
- Use data to demonstrate how DEI initiatives get results.
- 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 Talk About Diversity With Employees to Achieve Your Company’s Objectives (Report)
- The Business Case for DEI (Resource List)
- Still Making the Case for DEI? Drop the Spreadsheet (Webinar Recording)
- Performative DEI Policies: Flip the Script (Infographic) Supporter-Exclusive
- Words Aren’t Enough: The Risks of Performative Policies (Report)
How to do DEI right:
- 5 Myths Debunked About Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (Blog Post)
- DEI Efficacy: Preempting Pitfalls for Sustained Impact and Value (Webinar Recording) Supporter-Exclusive
- Embedding DEI Into Your Business Strategy: Key Insights From Industry Leaders (Blog Post)
- 5 Lessons From C-Suite Diversity Champions (Blog Post)
How to be an inclusive leader:
- Getting Real About Inclusive Leadership (Report)
- 5 Strategies to Promote Inclusion: A Manager’s Playbook (Tool) Supporter-Exclusive
- Leading With Empathy (10-Minute Microlearning) Supporter-Exclusive
How employee resource group (ERG) leaders can navigate employee resistance:
- Catalyst Guide to Employee Resource Groups (Tool) Supporter-Exclusive See Chapter 7
- ERG Discussion Guides (Tool) Supporter-Exlusive See guide to “Navigating Resistance”
How to measure results:
- DEI Measurement (Resource List)
- Beginning a Measurement Process: A Tool for DEI Leaders (Tool)
- How to Create Transparency in DEI Measurement: A Guide for Senior Leaders (Tool)
How company DEI initiatives succeed (Supporter-exclusive):
- Barilla
- Boston Scientific
- Enbridge
- The Hartford
- Parexel
- RBC
- TD
- Uber
- Ulta Beauty
- UPMC
- More examples
US Supreme Court decision on affirmative action:
- How Your Company Can Priortize DEI After the Supreme Court Ruling (Blog Post)
- Takeaways From the Catalyst Affirmative Action Webinar: 8 Steps Companies Can Take to Protect Their DEI Programs (Blog Post)
- US Supreme Court Affirmative Action Ruling and the Future of DEI in Corporate America (Webinar Recording)
- Does the US Supreme Court Decision on Affirmative Action Affect Your Company’s Diversity Initiatives?