DEI is a lightning rod for controversy – but the practice isn't dead

DEI is a lightning rod for controversy – but the practice isn't dead Getty Images Since 2020, leaders have looked at DEI in their industries. In response to public pressure for corporate social accountability in the wake of the Black Lives Matter movement, many firms including Google, Nike and Wells Fargo began appointing chief diversity officers to oversee their newly minted – and widely publicised – DEI efforts. Getty Images As workers increasingly pushed back on DEI in business, companies responded with programmes for hiring and advancement – but many are now being targeted Some people and firms are now fatigued following George Floyd's death, the "guilt" brought by America's racial dialogue and the subsequent surge in DEI interest, says Malia Lazu, a lecturer at MIT Sloan School of Management and author of From Intention to Impact: A Practical Guide to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Because of that threat of public scrutiny, "people are nervous", says Marcus – even though typical DEI initiatives have most likely been reviewed for their legality. Because of the threat of public scrutiny on their DEI programmes, "people are nervous", says Gisele Marcus This DEI backlash doesn't surprise Zheng, who sees parallels in the current rhetoric to criticism of US diversity initiatives of the past.