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

A comprehensive study from HR.com's HR Research Institute provides critical insights into how organizations are responding to the evolving landscape of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. The research, conducted in January and February 2025 with 784 HR professionals, demonstrates remarkable stability in DEI programming despite significant external pressures. The findings reveal that 58% of organizations have maintained their DEI functions without any modifications, indicating a strong commitment to existing diversity frameworks.

The timing of this research is particularly significant given the substantial legal and political shifts affecting diversity initiatives nationwide. Following the 2023 Supreme Court ruling that ended affirmative action in college admissions and subsequent executive orders by President Donald Trump, many anticipated widespread changes to corporate DEI strategies. However, the data shows only 8% of organizations have made changes through renaming or restructuring their programs, while a mere 3% have completely discontinued their DEI initiatives. This suggests that most companies view diversity and inclusion as fundamental to their organizational culture rather than as compliance-driven initiatives.

Additional survey findings provide important context for understanding the broader corporate landscape. Twenty-four percent of organizations reported never establishing a DEI function, while 8% indicated varied responses ranging from uncertainty to potential future considerations. The research from HR.com's HR Research Institute highlights how organizations are carefully navigating the complex intersection of compliance requirements, public discourse, and anti-discrimination legal interpretations. The political and legal environment has introduced potential liability risks associated with diversity initiatives, prompting careful reassessment while maintaining core diversity principles.

While federal agencies and government contractors have experienced direct impacts from recent executive orders, private-sector companies face less direct regulatory pressure. Nevertheless, the broader societal context continues to shape organizational approaches to diversity and inclusion. The research indicates that companies are taking a measured approach, balancing external pressures with internal commitments to creating inclusive workplaces. 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 future directions for corporate DEI strategies.