Study Reveals Majority of Organizations Maintain DEI Programs Amid Political and Legal Shifts

The HR.com's HR Research Institute has unveiled findings from a comprehensive study on the state of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs across organizations, revealing a notable trend of continuity amidst a backdrop of significant political and legal upheavals. Based on responses from 784 HR professionals collected in January and February 2025, the study found that 58% of organizations have not modified their DEI functions, signaling a cautious approach by many in the face of evolving regulations and societal expectations.

Only a small fraction of organizations, 8%, reported making changes to their DEI programs through renaming or restructuring, with an even smaller percentage, 3%, discontinuing their programs altogether. This data emerges against the backdrop of the 2023 Supreme Court ruling that ended affirmative action in college admissions and subsequent executive orders by President Donald Trump, which have collectively created a complex environment for DEI strategies.

Further findings from the survey indicate that 24% of organizations never established a DEI function, and 8% provided varied responses, ranging from uncertainty to potential future considerations. This suggests that while some organizations are steadfast in their commitment to DEI, others are navigating a landscape marked by regulatory changes and shifting public discourse on diversity and inclusion.

The study underscores the delicate balance organizations must strike between advancing diversity and inclusion goals and mitigating potential liability risks associated with diversity initiatives. With federal agencies and contractors directly impacted by recent executive orders, private-sector companies, though less directly affected by regulatory pressures, are not immune to the broader societal and legal currents influencing DEI strategies.

HR.com's HR Research Institute is set to release a detailed report in late April 2025, offering deeper insights into how organizations are adapting their workplace diversity efforts in response to these challenges. This study serves as a critical resource for HR professionals and vendors in the human resources industry, providing a snapshot of the current state of DEI programs and the factors shaping their evolution.