DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) efforts are under siege. Here’s what experts say is at stake

Illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on CNN or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news:  The recent departure of Harvard's first Black woman president has sparked renewed debate over Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in corporate America
• This controversy reflects a growing backlash against DEI, with figures like billionaire investor Bill Ackman and Tesla CEO Elon Musk criticizing it as "racist" and "illegal" in its implementation

🔭 The context: Since 2020 after George Floyd's murder, which led to widespread corporate commitments to DEI, companies have responded to racial unrest by creating new positions and expanding teams
• These efforts were part of a broader societal reckoning with systemic inequities, including in the workplace

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: The debate on DEI is pivotal in shaping corporate culture and societal norms, specially as effective DEI policies have the potential to enhance workplace equality and societal cohesion
• Conversely, the backlash and criticism of DEI could lead to a rollback of diversity efforts, impacting inclusivity and representation in the corporate sector, which mirrors wider societal dynamics

⏭️ What's next: Recent data shows a decline in DEI job postings, suggesting a possible shift in corporate priorities
• This trend risks alienating employees and customers, potentially impacting workplace harmony and business success

💬 One quote: "DEI, because it discriminates on the basis of race, gender and many other factors, is not merely immoral, it is also illegal" (Elon Musk)

📈 One stat: Pew Research Center data reveals deep divides in American attitudes towards DEI, with 56% of employed American adults seeing it as positive, but only around 30% deeming workplace diversity extremely or very important

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