Advancing Opportunity and Access: Linking DEI to Business Outcomes
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ESG Backlash

Advancing Opportunity and Access: Linking DEI to Business Outcomes

12 June 2025 / Report

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Most leaders remain committed to diversity, equity & inclusion principles that provide equal opportunities for success to all workers—but legal challenges, political polarization, and public criticism have prompted many to reevaluate their strategies. This report, based on the results of several recent surveys and a series of roundtables with more than 110 human capital leaders, explores how organizations are mitigating legal and reputational risk by adjusting language; redefining objectives; and scaling back, expanding, or eliminating initiatives.

Most leaders remain committed to diversity, equity & inclusion principles that provide equal opportunities for success to all workers—but legal challenges, political polarization, and public criticism have prompted many to reevaluate their strategies. This report, based on the results of several recent surveys and a series of roundtables with more than 110 human capital leaders, explores how organizations are mitigating legal and reputational risk by adjusting language; redefining objectives; and scaling back, expanding, or eliminating initiatives.

Authors

Allan Schweyer

Allan Schweyer Allan Schweyer

Principal Researcher, Human Capital
The Conference Board

Read Bio

Camille A. Olson

Camille A. Olson Camille A. Olson

Partner
Seyfarth Shaw LLP

Read Bio

Matthew Maloof

Matthew Maloof Matthew Maloof

Researcher, Human Capital
The Conference Board

Read Bio

Andrew Jones, PhD

Andrew Jones, PhD Andrew Jones, PhD

Principal Researcher, Governance & Sustainability …
The Conference Board

Read Bio

Denise Dahlhoff, PhD

Denise Dahlhoff, PhD Denise Dahlhoff, PhD

Director, Marketing & Communications Research
The Conference Board

Read Bio

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