'This is backwards': HR association faces backlash from members, HR professionals
The largest human resources association in the world has decided to remove "equity" from its primary diversity program, sparking outrage among numerous talent managers online.
The Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM) announced that it will now use the acronym “I&D” — standing for inclusion and diversity — and will exclude the “E” from its former “IE&D” framework. The move follows it reversing the letters of DE&I following political pushback, and Supreme Court decisions in the US.
"By putting inclusion first, we aim to address the existing flaws in DE&I programs, which have caused societal backlash and increased polarization," the organization stated on LinkedIn. SHRM emphasized its continued commitment to promoting equity within its "inclusion" strategy.
Conservative circles in US opposed to ‘DEI’
SHRM’s decision reflects a trend among hiring managers who have previously supported workplace diversity but are now moving away from DEI. Opposition to these initiatives in some countries has intensified over the past year, particularly from conservative circles in the US, with presidential candidate Donald Trump promising to effectively abolish DEI if elected in November.
The backlash against DEI is part of a broader cultural conflict in many countries. Conservative activists have reframed DEI initiatives as discriminatory against white individuals, particularly white men. Legal challenges are being brought against DEI actions, citing civil rights laws meant to protect historically disadvantaged groups to attack programs that benefit these same groups.
The US Supreme Court's decision last June, which banned universities from considering race in admissions, marked a significant victory for this movement. Additionally, nine states, including Alabama, Florida, and Texas, have passed laws restricting DEI efforts at state organizations.
Companies like Best Buy Co. and Johnson & Johnson have also faced criticism for their diversity efforts, leading them to minimize or remove DEI mentions in corporate documents. Last month, Tractor Supply Co. announced it would eliminate DEI positions after being targeted on social media by a conservative influencer, and Starbucks has quietly removed DEI requitements from some management bonuses.
Backlash against SHRM’s move with DEI
The decision by SHRM has sparked backlash from many of its members. A LinkedIn post announcing the change received nearly 1,000 comments, mostly from HR professionals and consultants criticizing the organization for yielding to external pressure.
“There is no inclusion without equity. Period,” said CPO Tiffany Frasier. “This is backwards,” said diversity and inclusion specialist Patricia Gatlin. “Shame on you,” said executive coach Tamika Sears.
SHRM CEO Johnny Taylor Jr. mentioned that the term "equity" is often misunderstood and hinders productive discussions about creating inclusive workplaces.
"There’s no common agreement about what it means," Taylor told Bloomberg. He noted debates over whether to focus on equity of opportunity or equity of outcome for diverse employees. "We found that we’re spending all our time debating acronyms and definitions instead of focusing on our real objectives."
SHRM claims to represent about 340,000 members in 180 countries, affecting the lives of over 362 million workers and their families. The group not only sets industry best practices but also lobbies for legislation on issues like benefits policy, hiring, immigration, and taxes. Additionally, it offers its own certification programs often subsidized by companies for their employees.
This isn't SHRM's first change to its diversity acronyms. About a year ago, amid lawsuits against companies for allegedly discriminatory programs, SHRM revised its DE&I policy to IE&D. Taylor described the shift in September, calling inclusion "the most crucial yet toughest to implement" element.
Petition circulates against SHRM
SHRM's reasoning has been criticized by a wide range of professionals. “How then can SHRM say let's be civil to one another and in the next breath say we are going to focus only on Inclusion and Diversity? How can the expectation be civility when folks are DAILY experiencing blatant inequities in the workplace?” wrote Ebony Wilkins from Cornell University.
“I'm supposed to talk nice...be nice to you while you have your privileged foot on my neck? That is a ridiculous expectation and offensive to those who are literally fighting for their lives. All for civility but never at the expense of equitable treatment and standing for what's right!”
Nearly 600 individuals have signed a petition urging HR professionals to cancel their SHRM memberships. The petition also accused SHRM of prioritizing "corporate interests over employee well-being" in its advocacy and policies.
