DEI Programs

Lip service only?

Photo by Brittani Burns on Unsplash

I was dubious when so many companies suddenly instituted and touted their DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) programs and then hired people to manage these programs, develop mandatory manuals on DEI for all employees, etc.

It sounded like a good idea, an idea whose time had come. After all, most companies are not exactly diverse in terms of gender and ethnic backgrounds.

I also anticipated the backlash. Some of that I could even sympathize with. After all, the best and most competent people should be hired, regardless of gender, race, background, and other criteria.

Most of the retreat from these programs, however, is based on cowardice, not on rational arguments about hiring the best people. The latest coward is Mark Zuckerberg. Hadas Gold summarizes on CNN,

Meta is eliminating the company’s DEI team, ending “equity and inclusion programs and changing hiring and supplier diversity practices.”

Some companies stand by their DEI programs, but others give in to the conservative backlash.

Interesting are also the comments on Gold’s article. While many people seem fed up enough to shut down their Meta and X accounts, “impartial” writes,

People don’t like Musk but they still use X. they are still planning to buy…