DEI: Under Attack In America, Thriving Around The World
3 minute readPublished: Monday, May 12, 2025 at 6:34 am
**DEI Under Fire in the US, Thriving Globally: A Look at the Divergent Paths**
The landscape of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is starkly divided. While facing increasing political pressure and rollbacks in the United States, DEI initiatives are flourishing around the world. This divergence is highlighted in a recent Bloomberg Television interview featuring insights from global experts.
In the US, executive orders and public scrutiny are causing some companies to scale back or abandon DEI programs. However, major European-headquartered companies with significant US operations, like L'Oréal and BMW, are maintaining their commitments. This resilience is echoed by resistance to anti-DEI shareholder proposals at companies like Costco, Apple, and Goldman Sachs.
Experts like Nancy Levine Stearns, Karolina Adamska-Woniak, Katja Toropainen, and Manju Menon offer a global perspective. They emphasize that the business case for DEI remains strong, viewing it as a strategic imperative rather than a social obligation. They also point out that the approach to DEI varies by region, with Europe focusing on social cohesion and equal opportunity, while India's DEI trajectory is shaped by affirmative action and a complex social fabric.
Key takeaways include the importance of depoliticizing DEI, focusing on employee needs, and embedding DEI in core business strategy. Experts recommend reframing the language around DEI, emphasizing belonging, innovation, and business performance. They also stress the need for internal capacity-building and practical inclusion skills.
The experts agree that an unequal society poses a business risk. DEI enhances a company's ability to understand and serve diverse consumers, fosters innovation, addresses inequality, and mitigates social risk.
BNN's Perspective:
The contrasting approaches to DEI highlight a critical juncture. While political headwinds challenge DEI in the US, the global business community recognizes its value. This divergence underscores the importance of adapting DEI strategies to local contexts and focusing on the tangible benefits of a diverse and inclusive workforce. Companies that embrace DEI as a strategic imperative, rather than a political target, are likely to thrive in the long run.
Keywords:
DEI, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, US, United States, Global, Europe, India, Business, Strategy, Innovation, Inclusion, Belonging, Political Pressure, Companies, L'Oréal, BMW, Costco, Apple, Goldman Sachs, Manju Menon, Karolina Adamska-Woniak, Katja Toropainen, Nancy Levine Stearns, Business Risk, Social Risk, Affirmative Action, LGBTQ+, Tech Mahindra, Workplace Culture, Employee Engagement, Inclusive Language, Long-Term Commitment.