The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) programs that civil rights activists fought for have come under fresh scrutiny, threatening nearly 60 years of progress in the workplace. Although these programs have been shown to create a better work environment and uncover fresh talent in minority communities, conservative pressure has led institutions as powerful as the United States government to scrap inclusive policies. While many high-profile companies have caved to the anti-DEI backlash, some have only strengthened their commitment to diversity and inclusion. Here are companies that have so far stood behind their DEI programs.
Costco
After a very public battle, Costco rejected an anti-DEI proposal to re-evaluate its diversity policies, which have come under scrutiny from the National Center for Public Policy Research, a conservative think tank. In doing so, the wholesale retailer’s board and shareholders said it would continue to defend and support its mission to diversify its suppliers and employee ranks.
JP Morgan Chase
America’s largest bank has committed to its mission of diversifying its workplace for a decade and isn’t backing down amid recent conservative outcry. CEO Jaime Dimon has championed the institution’s continued outreach toward Black folks and other marginalized communities in America, telling anti-DEI activists to “bring it on” during a CNBC interview. The company continues to highlight its diversity efforts on its website.
Goldman Sachs
Goldman Sachs, an investment banking giant, has sought to highlight the positives that DEI policies have brought to business. Reps for the company have noted that their own clients have progressive and socially conscious missions, and a diverse workforce helps address these concerns. Goldman Sach’s page on diversity and inclusion remains active on its website, where it continues to collect data on vendor diversity efforts and data on the gender pay gap.
Delta Airlines
The airliner has confirmed its commitment to diversity efforts here on the ground while its business soars. In recent earnings calls, Chief External Affairs Officer Peter Carter reiterated that the company’s sustainability and DEI efforts among staffers have only benefitted their business and customer experience. The company’s page on diversity and inclusion remains active on its website, where they’ve spotlighted its campaign to increase representation within the travel community and measure its own efforts to diversify its talented staff.
Apple
The smartphone giant has followed Costco’s lead in rejecting the push from the National Center for Public Policy Research to demolish their DEI commitments. The company’s board has, so far, urged shareholders to recognize the benefits DEI has had on their company culture, dating back to their 1993 supplier diversity commitment. The trillion-dollar company’s page on diversity and inclusion, which documents representation within its staff, remains active.
Microsoft
The most recognized name in software has long championed diversity and inclusion efforts, dating back to their inclusive policies for LGBTQ and marginalized employees in 1989. The company has since released annual diversity and inclusion reports, with CEO Satya Nadella highlighting that a diverse workforce has given them an edge in running a successful business for a global market. The company maintains a webpage dedicated to highlighting diversity within and beyond Microsoft.
The social media powerhouse has stood firm with its diversity goals, which it established nearly a decade ago in 2015. The company’s Chief Legal Officer, Wanji Walcott, has shared that inclusivity is crucial in making their picture-sharing platform an attractive space for advertisers and users alike. The company’s page on inclusion and diversity is still active, where they showcase efforts such as their “Pinclusion Groups” to make a more inviting platform for all walks of life.
e.l.f. Cosmetics
The beloved cosmetics company has worked to integrate diversity and inclusion efforts both in front of and behind the public eye. The company’s eye-catching campaigns have highlighted the lack of diversity in the corporate world, and its makeup advertisements have included non-binary and transgender models. The company’s continued dedication to diversity has only helped the brand connect to Gen Z, Alpha and millennial customers, solidifying its strong stance for DEI policies.
