As a DEI advocate, I am concerned about this trend of scaling back DEI initiatives, especially in light of recent announcements from major tech companies.
It’s hard to see that leaders, once vocal about their DEI commitment, have now stepped away from it. Perhaps they never fully embraced it and simply went along for different reasons. Just a few years ago, one of these companies reported “Our commitment to DEI remains at the center of who we are as a company.” Rather than a change of heart, this recent shift seems more like a return to their true core, now expressed in a more transparent way.
Beyond the rollback of DEI initiatives, the real concern is the mindset it reveals. DEI has been framed as just another form of discrimination, exposing a fundamental misunderstanding of its essence. Despite substantial evidence linking DEI to innovation and stronger business outcomes, the concept remains ungrasped – and that’s deeply alarming, especially when coming from voices shaping the transition to an AI-driven future.
How will this shift impact AI? It’s well known an AI model is only as unbiased as the data it’s trained on; at the same time, a diverse team is far more likely to spot and mitigate bias in datasets and algorithms. As Meta’s Chief Diversity Officer once pointed out, “The more representative the data, the less likely human bias will evolve into automated discrimination.” That still rings true, but will inclusive AI remain a priority, or will we deploy bias at scale?
Perhaps these disruptions were inevitable and call for a reset. DEI may have been misunderstood by some from the start – reduced to budget allocations for glossy keynote speakers, “check-the-box” leadership training, or ERG events where DEI sponsors set false expectations they cannot meet. Yet true DEI requires a deeper understanding of those around us – employees and customers alike – and a genuine commitment to addressing the unique challenges they face.
Call it DEI or something else, but dismissing what it stands for doesn’t seem right. Instead of scaling it back, it’s time for a rethink – not only in the context of organizational practices but also in paving the way toward a future where AI truly delivers on its promise for everyone.
*DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) refers to policies and practices that promote diverse representation, ensure fair treatment and equitable access to opportunities, and foster a culture where everyone feels valued and empowered, regardless of their background or identity such as race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age or physical ability.
Habit of Growth 