The DEI Fallout: How Corporate Backlash is Impacting Diversity Workers
The Rise and Fall of Corporate DEI
Candace Byrdsong Williams, a seasoned DEI professional, once felt optimistic about her career. For 18 years, she dedicated herself to creating more inclusive workplaces, reaching the pinnacle of her field as a global director of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
But her path took a sharp turn in August 2023 when she was laid off, just before her 50th birthday. Now, she’s facing a job market that’s both smaller and more competitive.
Byrdsong Williams’ story reflects a larger trend: Corporate America’s retreat from DEI. The backlash against diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives has led to thousands of job losses, leaving experienced professionals like Byrdsong Williams uncertain about their future.
A Turning Tide
Byrdsong Williams’ story is part of a larger narrative. The backlash against DEI began slowly, even before the 2020 presidential election. After years of corporate America embracing DEI, a conservative pushback emerged, fueled by critics who argue that DEI is discriminatory against white people.
This backlash intensified in 2023. The Supreme Court struck down affirmative action in colleges and universities, and Bud Light faced a boycott after featuring a transgender influencer in a promotional campaign.
The tide turned dramatically when President Trump, in his second inauguration, declared open war on diversity programs across government agencies, universities, law firms, and more. This signaled a widespread shift in corporate America’s stance on DEI.
The Numbers Tell the Story
Data from Revelio Labs shows a significant decline in DEI-related jobs. Since early 2023, over 2,600 DEI-related jobs have been eliminated, representing about 13% of the peak hiring boom in early 2023.
Companies are replacing DEI-focused roles with more generic terms like “belonging” or “culture,” but the effect is clear: fewer opportunities for dedicated DEI professionals.
The Human Cost
Byrdsong Williams’ experience highlights the human cost of this shift. She’s not alone. Many experienced DEI professionals are facing unemployment and uncertainty, leaving them questioning their future in the field.
“It’s a challenging time to be in DEI work,” says Yen Ling Shek, a recruiter at Russell Reynolds Associates.
The Fight Continues
Despite the challenges, some DEI professionals are determined to continue the fight for inclusion. They argue that the work of inclusion and diversity is crucial for a better workplace for everyone.
“The work of inclusion and diversity is actually making the workplace better for most people, without giving — and without taking — anything away from anyone,” says Jeffrey Siminoff, a former DEI executive at Morgan Stanley, Apple, and Twitter.
The future of DEI remains uncertain, but the human cost is evident.
“I’m dancing, I’m having a moment, but I’m like — only a few in this room know that I don’t have a job,” she recalls. “Is this really happening?”
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