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 kept their DEI functions completely unchanged. This stability occurs against a backdrop of substantial shifts in DEI approaches following the 2023 Supreme Court ruling that ended affirmative action in college admissions and subsequent executive orders by President Donald Trump.

The survey data indicates that only 8% of organizations reported making changes through renaming or restructuring their DEI programs, while a mere 3% have completely discontinued their diversity initiatives. Additional findings show that 24% of organizations never established a DEI function to begin with, and another 8% reported varied responses ranging from uncertainty about their current status to potential future considerations. The evolving regulatory landscape has created a complex environment for organizations navigating diversity and inclusion strategies while balancing compliance requirements and public discourse expectations.

The political and legal environment has introduced potential liability risks associated with diversity initiatives, prompting many organizations to carefully reassess their approaches. 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 as companies navigate anti-discrimination legal interpretations and public expectations. The research suggests organizations are taking measured approaches to diversity initiatives amid changing regulatory frameworks.

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 methodology and detailed analysis will be available through https://www.hr.com/en/communities/hr-research-institute. The institute's ongoing research into workplace trends provides valuable benchmarking data for organizations evaluating their diversity and inclusion strategies in an increasingly complex regulatory environment.