MEDIA CONTACT:
Dana Juniel, Movement Advancement Project
dana@mapresearch.org | (303) 578-4600 ext. 131
July 18, 2024
From state legislatures and court houses to Congress, universities, and business board rooms, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives, also known as DEI, are under attack in the United States. Far-right extremists and conservative lawmakers are politicizing these initiatives in an effort to regress back to a time when communities of color, women, LGBTQ people and others were marginalized and silenced.
Today the Movement Advancement Project released a first of its kind report, Dismantling DEI: A Coordinated Attack on American Values. The report breaks down the strategies opponents have used to target DEI within government, education, and the private sector, and further demonstrates the harmful impacts these calculated, widespread attacks have upon our communities.
Although they may seem isolated, these coordinated attacks purposefully downplay experiences of discrimination and exclusion that many Americans face in the halls of government, schools, and places of business. The report analyzed state bills introduced over the past two years and finds that at least 42 states have introduced over 440 bills attacking DEI in a variety of ways, and over half (23) of those states have enacted at least one such law or policy over that time frame. The report also tracks efforts to pass such bills in Congress and to challenge DEI in the courts.
Specifically, in government, these efforts attempt to ban the use of tax-payer funds for government-sponsored DEI or ESG (environmental, social, and governance) programs, training, or initiatives, or limit these considerations in contracts and investments. In education, persistent attacks on affirmative action have paved the way for a new wave of challenges and legislative bans restricting any training or discussion of DEI or identity-based issues. And in business, there are similar attacks on DEI programs, trainings, and ESG-informed financial practices, all in addition to the use of social backlash, boycotts and even violence to retaliate against inclusive merchandising and hiring practices.
“The attacks described herein attempt to turn back the clock on decades of progress,” said Khalid Pitts, Executive Vice President of Campaigns and Programs at the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights. “And this report makes clear that we must remain steadfast in our support for DEI and the work it requires, so that we can face the challenges that still lie ahead.”
Key Takeaways
In Government
- Since 2023, at least 256 bills have been introduced in the states attacking DEI in different government settings. Today, 20 states now have at least one law that restricts or bans DEI practices in different government settings.
In Education
- Since 2023, at least 157 bills explicitly attacking DEI in education have been introduced across 34 states. Today, at least 15 states have enacted these bans or restrictions into law.
In Business
- Since 2023, at least 226 bills explicitly attacking DEI or ESG in at least some private business settings have been introduced across 36 states. Today, at least 16 states have enacted such laws.
- A 2023 Morning Consult survey of business leaders showed that 24% of respondents had discontinued or modified a training program and 12% reported they reduced the headcount for DEI staff functions.
The legislative attacks on DEI take many forms but share a common goal of banning or severely limiting any use of DEI or related considerations in as many areas of life as possible. This is evident in the fact that many anti-DEI bills vary widely in their scope, and commonly apply across multiple sectors. For example, while 26% of these 2023-2024 bills targeted DEI in education only, that number rises to at least 35% when including bills that also target DEI in both education and at least one other setting.
The strategic attacks on these practices are designed to radically restructure society by dismantling the social progress of the last 50 years – and the efforts come in the form of state and federal bills, coordinated legal attacks in a reshaped federal judiciary, and in threats to colleges and universities and businesses who continue to advance DEI. For example, The 2025 Presidential Transition Project drafted by the Heritage Foundation, often referred to as Project 2025, lays the groundwork for advancing an extreme far-right vision for the country by, among many other proposals, “deleting the terms sexual orientation and gender identity (‘SOGI’), diversity, equity, and inclusion (‘DEI’), gender, gender equality, gender equity, gender awareness, gender-sensitive, abortion, reproductive health, reproductive rights…out of every federal rule, agency regulation, contract, grant, regulation, and piece of legislation that exists.”
The impact of attacks on DEI initiatives on students, employees and the public at large cannot be understated. The report shows clear harms already ensuing, such as the closures of university centers for students of color or LGBTQ students, and the loss of hundreds of jobs. These attacks, based on false narratives designed to hijack the public’s understanding and support for DEI, reduce the ability to foster inclusive and equitable environments, while often confusing those who actually support DEI-related efforts.
“The history of working for a more equitable and inclusive United States is as long as the history of the country itself. DEI initiatives are part of that important and still necessary work.” said Logan Casey, MAP’s Director of Policy Research. “And the public agrees—whether in government, schools, or businesses, supporters of DEI initiatives outnumber the opponents that push these attacks. These attacks have been met with resistance and there are important resources emerging to help dispel misinformation and offer support for organizations navigating this difficult political climate.”
This unprecedented wave of anti-DEI attacks is taking place as the American population is changing demographically, becoming more diverse than recorded in previous decades. And as opponents attempt to redefine these words and morph their intent into politicized narratives, the basic definition of these terms must be remembered. Recognizing differences, ensuring fairness, and creating a sense of belonging are practices necessary to address the needs of an ever-diversifying public.
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MAP’s mission is to provide independent and rigorous research, insight and communications that help speed equality and opportunity for all. MAP works to ensure that all people have a fair chance to pursue health and happiness, earn a living, take care of the ones they love, be safe in their communities, and participate in civic life.
