Study Shows Majority of Organizations Maintain DEI Programs 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 substantial political and legal changes affecting diversity initiatives. 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, indicating a commitment to diversity efforts amid evolving regulatory landscapes.

The study emerges during a period of significant transformation 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. These policy shifts have created a complex environment for organizations navigating diversity and inclusion strategies, with only 8% of respondents reporting changes through renaming or restructuring their programs. A mere 3% of organizations have completely discontinued their DEI initiatives, suggesting that most companies view these programs as essential components of their organizational structure.

Additional survey findings indicate that 24% of organizations never established a formal DEI function, while 8% reported varied responses ranging from uncertainty about their current status to potential future considerations. The evolving regulatory landscape has introduced potential liability risks associated with diversity initiatives, prompting many organizations to carefully reassess their strategies while balancing compliance requirements, public discourse, and anti-discrimination legal interpretations. HR.com's HR Research Institute plans to release a comprehensive report summarizing these findings in late April 2025 through their website at https://www.hr.com, providing deeper insights into the current state of workplace diversity efforts.

While federal agencies and government contractors have experienced direct impacts from recent executive orders, private-sector companies face less direct regulatory pressure regarding their diversity programs. However, the broader societal context continues to significantly influence organizational approaches to diversity and inclusion, with many companies choosing to maintain their commitments despite the changing political environment. The research demonstrates that organizations are proceeding cautiously, evaluating their DEI approaches amid shifting regulatory expectations and social pressures while recognizing the ongoing importance of diversity initiatives in contemporary workplace environments.