Were Companies Ever Serious About DEI?

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs have been a hot topic in corporate America, but were they ever truly taken seriously? In this Vox article, Jonquilyn Hill speaks with Eric M. Ellis, CEO of Integrity Development, about how DEI initiatives have evolved from civil rights-era programs to today’s corporate policies—often met with skepticism or resistance. Ellis points out that while some companies are committed to meaningful change, others have treated DEI as a trend rather than a long-term strategy. Recent political pressure, including actions from the Trump administration, has led some businesses to back away from their DEI efforts, while others double down. Ultimately, Ellis argues, real change requires structural shifts within companies—not just surface-level gestures like themed lunch menus. As he puts it, “Activities and events don’t change the culture. You have to study yourself.”

Key Points:

• History of DEI: Initially developed from civil rights training, DEI has gone through various transformations, including affirmative action and sensitivity training.
• Corporate Commitment: Some companies are staying committed to DEI, but others are either quietly retreating or abandoning it due to political and public backlash.
• Real Change Requires Structural Reform: Ellis emphasizes that businesses need to evaluate pay equity, performance management, and systemic barriers—not just hold symbolic events.
• Misconceptions About DEI: Critics often claim DEI lowers standards, but Ellis counters that the real problem is businesses resisting structural accountability while still trying to appear inclusive.
• Future of DEI: Some companies may rebrand DEI efforts under different terminology, while others will continue internal commitments while minimizing public attention.

So, was corporate DEI ever more than a buzzword? For some, yes—but for many, it looks like just another corporate phase.
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