Most Organizations Maintain DEI Programs Unchanged Despite Political and Legal Shifts

Recent research from HR.com's HR Research Institute indicates that the majority of organizations have maintained their existing diversity, equity, and inclusion programs without modification despite substantial political and legal changes affecting DEI approaches. The study, based on responses from 784 HR professionals collected during January and February 2025, found that 58% of organizations have kept their DEI functions unchanged. Only 8% of respondents reported making changes through renaming or restructuring efforts, while a mere 3% have completely discontinued their DEI programs.

The research emerges during a period of significant transformation in diversity and inclusion strategies, particularly following the 2023 Supreme Court ruling that ended affirmative action in college admissions and subsequent executive orders by President Donald Trump. These policy developments have created a complex operational environment for organizations navigating diversity and inclusion strategies. Additional survey findings revealed that 24% of organizations never established a DEI function, while 8% reported varied responses ranging from uncertainty to potential future considerations.

The evolving regulatory landscape has introduced potential liability risks associated with diversity initiatives, prompting many organizations to carefully reassess their approaches while balancing compliance requirements, public discourse, and 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 influence organizational approaches to diversity and inclusion strategies across various industries.

HR.com's 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. The complete research findings will be available through https://www.hr.com/en/research_institute/ where organizations can access detailed analysis and benchmarking data. The study's timing coincides with increased scrutiny of corporate diversity programs and growing legal uncertainties surrounding DEI implementation strategies across different sectors.