Most Organizations Maintain DEI Programs Unchanged Despite Political and Legal Shifts

A comprehensive study from HR.com's HR Research Institute examining the current state of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs across organizations reveals that most companies have maintained their existing DEI structures despite significant political and legal changes. The research, based on responses from 784 HR professionals collected during January and February 2025, found that 58% of organizations have preserved their DEI functions without modification. This stability comes during a period of substantial shifts in DEI approaches, particularly following the 2023 Supreme Court ruling that ended affirmative action in college admissions and subsequent executive orders by President Donald Trump.

The survey results indicate that only 8% of respondents reported making changes through renaming or restructuring their DEI initiatives, while a mere 3% have completely discontinued their DEI programs. Additional findings show that 24% of organizations never established a DEI function, and 8% reported varied responses ranging from uncertainty to potential future considerations. The evolving landscape suggests organizations are carefully evaluating their approaches to diversity and inclusion amid changing regulatory and social expectations. The political and legal environment has introduced potential liability risks associated with diversity initiatives, prompting many organizations to reassess their strategies while balancing compliance, public discourse, and anti-discrimination legal interpretations.

While federal agencies and contractors have seen 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. The research from HR.com's HR Research Institute demonstrates how organizations are navigating this complex environment, with most choosing to maintain their current diversity structures despite external pressures. The institute plans to release a comprehensive report summarizing these findings in late April 2025, providing further insights into the current state of workplace diversity efforts through their research platform at https://www.hr.com/en/research-institute.