Study Shows Most Organizations Maintain DEI Programs Despite Political and Legal Shifts

A comprehensive study conducted by HR.com's HR Research Institute examining the current state of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs across organizations demonstrates remarkable stability in corporate DEI structures despite substantial political and legal transformations. The research, which gathered responses from 784 HR professionals during January and February 2025, found that 58% of organizations have maintained their DEI functions without any modifications. This consistency occurs against a backdrop of significant policy shifts, including the 2023 Supreme Court ruling ending affirmative action in college admissions and subsequent executive orders by President Donald Trump that have created a complex environment for organizations navigating diversity and inclusion strategies.

The survey results reveal that only 8% of respondents reported making changes through renaming or restructuring their DEI programs, while a mere 3% have completely discontinued their diversity initiatives. Additional findings show that 24% of organizations never established a DEI function from the outset, and another 8% reported varied responses ranging from uncertainty about their current status to potential future considerations. The evolving legal and political landscape has introduced potential liability risks associated with diversity initiatives, prompting many organizations to carefully reassess their strategies while balancing compliance requirements, public discourse expectations, and evolving anti-discrimination legal interpretations.

While federal agencies and government contractors have experienced direct impacts from recent executive orders, private-sector companies face less direct regulatory pressure. However, the broader societal context continues to significantly influence organizational approaches to diversity and inclusion. The research from https://www.hr.com indicates that organizations are proceeding cautiously, evaluating their DEI strategies amid changing regulatory frameworks and social expectations. The HR Research Institute plans to release a comprehensive report summarizing these findings in late April 2025, providing additional insights into the current state of workplace diversity efforts and how organizations are adapting to the new legal and political environment surrounding diversity initiatives.