Connecting the Dots: Unmasking the Radical Right’s Covert Assault on DEI Initiatives
In recent years, a shadowy alliance, spearheaded by organizations like the AFL and led by figures like Ed Blum, has embarked on a calculated campaign to dismantle the hard-fought gains achieved through Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Their ruthless strategy involves pinpointing and undermining specific programmatic areas critical to leveling the playing field for marginalized communities.
This essay is a summary of my extensive research into the lawsuits filed against twenty (20) corporations with progressive DEI programs and strategies and an analysis of the letter written by 12 Republican Attorneys General. What emerges is a troubling picture of push back.
This clandestine assault spans recruitment, workforce representation, employee development, outreach, benefits for reproductive rights and transgender rights, scholarships, mentoring programs, retention, supplier diversity, and contracting. They are alleging racism and discrimination because of good faith efforts to build the pipeline for underrepresented and underserved populations.
AFL has sent letters to over 17 Corporate CEOs and the EEOC challenging these efforts.
The ultimate aim? To stifle the inclusion of these historically underserved groups, while jealously guarding the privilege and status of the “overrepresented white demographic” as American society undergoes a profound and inevitable transformation towards greater diversity.
The following are the practices and programs that are at the center of their attack:
Recruitment:
Rather than embracing efforts to diversify their workforce, this covert coalition singles out companies striving to eliminate discriminatory hiring practices that have perpetuated underrepresentation of African Americans and Hispanics in leadership positions.
Workforce Representation:
They vigorously resist initiatives designed to achieve balanced representation, particularly for Black employees at every organizational level. By doing so, they seek to maintain the dominance of overrepresented groups.
Inclusive Employee Development:
Programs focused on providing equitable opportunities for advancement and growth are vilified. This undermines the potential for individuals from underrepresented backgrounds to break through the glass ceiling.
Targeted Outreach:
Instead of applauding outreach initiatives aimed at broadening opportunities, they attempt to thwart these efforts, thereby limiting access to marginalized communities.
Benefits for Reproductive and Transgender Rights:
They target companies offering benefits related to reproductive rights and transgender rights, curtailing access to essential healthcare services and equality.
Scholarships for Underrepresented and Underserved Groups:
Even scholarships aimed at leveling the educational playing field come under attack, revealing their determination to undermine progress at every level.
Pipeline and Mentoring Programs:
Resistance to mentoring programs designed to nurture and uplift historically underrepresented groups further underscores their commitment to preserving the status quo.
Retention:
Efforts to retain diverse talent are met with opposition, denying marginalized communities the support necessary to excel and thrive within organizations.
Supplier Diversity and Contracting:
By opposing supplier diversity programs and contracting based on equitable principles, they perpetuate an unequal distribution of resources and opportunities.
Implications
This shadowy alliance’s overarching objective is glaringly apparent: to halt the relentless march toward a more inclusive, equitable society. They brazenly seek to ensure that the privileged few maintain their grip on power, even as the demographic landscape of America undergoes unprecedented transformation. The outcome they envision is the perpetuation of an overrepresented white demographic, solidifying their dominance in a nation rapidly becoming a vibrant mosaic of diversity.
In the face of this unrelenting assault, champions of DEI initiatives must stand firm, resolute in their commitment to dismantling systemic barriers and fostering genuine equality. The struggle to achieve true diversity and inclusion continues, as we work collectively to thwart the efforts of those who would turn back the clock on progress and deny marginalized communities their rightful place in the American tapestry.
Effenus Henderson
Reference: Charting a Course Through the DEI Landscape: Addressing Challenges and Responding to 17 AFL and State AG Critiques of Corporate Initiatives, Effenus Henderson, August 2023
