Current:Home > StocksCivil rights groups call on major corporations to stick with DEI programs -WealthMindset Learning
Civil rights groups call on major corporations to stick with DEI programs
View
Date:2025-04-13 09:20:28
NEW YORK (AP) — A broad group of civil rights organizations called on the CEOs and board members of major companies Thursday to maintain their commitments to diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives that have come under attack online and in lawsuits.
An open letter signed by 19 organizations and directed at the leaders of Fortune 1000 companies said companies that abandon their DEI programs are shirking their fiduciary responsibility to employees, consumers and shareholders.
The civil rights groups included the NAACP, the National Organization for Women, the League of United Latin American Citizens, Asian Americans Advancing Justice and the Human Rights Campaign Foundation.
“Diversity, equity and inclusion programs, policies, and practices make business-sense and they’re broadly popular among the public, consumers, and employees,” their statement read. “But a small, well-funded, and extreme group of right-wing activists is attempting to pressure companies into abandoning their DEI programs.”
Companies such as Ford, Lowes, John Deere, Molson Coors and Harley-Davidson recently announced they would pull back on their diversity, equity and inclusion policies after facing pressure from conservative activists who were emboldened by recent victories in the courtroom.
Many major corporations have been examining their diversity programs in the wake of a Supreme Court decision last year that declared race-based affirmative action programs in college admissions unconstitutional. Dozens of cases have been filed making similar arguments about employers. Critics of DEI programs say the initiatives provide benefits to people of one race or sexual orientation while excluding others.
In their letter, the civil rights organizations, which also included UnidosUS, the Urban League, Advocates for Trans Equality, the National Women’s Law Center and the American Association of People with Disabilities, said divesting from DEI would alienate a wide range of consumers.
veryGood! (8149)
Related
- IOC's decision to separate speed climbing from other disciplines paying off
- Suspect charged in stabbing of 4 French children; victims no longer in life-threatening condition
- Pope Francis surgery completed without complications, pontiff working from hospital during recovery
- Woman in disguise tried to kill ex's wife with knife hidden in bouquet of flowers, U.K. police say
- Euphoria's Hunter Schafer Says Ex Dominic Fike Cheated on Her Before Breakup
- Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu accused in corruption trial of pushing legislation to help Hollywood friend
- Eat Your Heart Out By Looking Back on the Most Iconic Celebrity Revenge Dresses of All-Time
- Russian man killed in rare shark attack off Egypt's Red Sea coast
- Paige Bueckers vs. Hannah Hidalgo highlights women's basketball games to watch
- The Mona Lisa bridge mystery: Has the world's most famous painting finally given up a secret?
Ranking
- Elon Musk’s Daughter Vivian Calls Him “Absolutely Pathetic” and a “Serial Adulterer”
- The Mona Lisa bridge mystery: Has the world's most famous painting finally given up a secret?
- Russia shelling Ukraine's flooded Kherson region after Kakhovka dam destroyed makes rescue work perilous
- How Beyoncé and Jay-Z's Love Only Grew Stronger With Time
- Shilo Sanders' bankruptcy case reaches 'impasse' over NIL information for CU star
- A virgin crocodile made herself pregnant in a first for her species, researchers say
- Emily Ratajkowski Hinted at New Romance Weeks Before Harry Styles Makeout Session
- Christina Hall's Husband Josh Hall Pokes Fun at Critics as Couple Celebrates 2 Years Together
Recommendation
What were Tom Selleck's juicy final 'Blue Bloods' words in Reagan family
Exxon Lobbyist Caught On Video Talking About Undermining Biden's Climate Push
Harry Jowsey Shares His Gym Bag Essentials, Including Socks That Have 198,000+ Five-Star Reviews
The Mona Lisa bridge mystery: Has the world's most famous painting finally given up a secret?
American news website Axios laying off dozens of employees
Love Is Blind's Irina Apologizes for Her Immature Behavior on the Show
Greece migrant boat capsize leaves hundreds missing, with fear 100 kids trapped in hold
Police appeal for photos and video after American arrested in fatal attack near German castle