07-23-2024
The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) is rebranding its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives. SHRM is the primary human resources trade group, representing around 340,000 members in 180 countries. This rebrand eliminates the word "equity" from its goals. Moving forward, the organization will focus on inclusion and diversity to "underscore [its] commitment to leading with Inclusion as the catalyst for holistic change in workplaces and society." SHRM asserts its emphasis on inclusion will help with DEI's shortcomings, which have led to "societal backlash and increasing polarization." SHRM states that it will continue to include equity as part of the inclusion framework.
Almost a thousand people responded to SHRM's decision on LinkedIn, calling it "cowardly" and the wrong message. One critic told Forbes that HR organizations must lead the way and invest in diversity and inclusion, making sure that equity does not get pushed to the side. Some accuse SHRM of succumbing to political pressure from conservative groups that have pushed back hard on DEI efforts. SHRM's president denied the decision was politically motivated, countering if that were the case, SHRM would not talk about DEI at all. He said the term equity caused confusion and divisiveness and that most of the feedback on the rebrand had been positive.
SHRM is not the only entity to back away from DEI. According to AXIOS, CNN got rid of its race and equality reporting group, Tractor Supply ended its DEI and environmental practices, and Microsoft indicated its plans to shut down one of its DEI teams.