Reduced number of Americans perceive discrimination, as opposition to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) strengthens, indicates survey
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In a recent AP-NORC poll, opinions on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts in the United States have been revealed to be divided along racial and political lines.
According to the poll, approximately 40% of U.S. adults believe DEI reduces discrimination against Black people, while around one-third think it reduces discrimination for Latino people, women, and Asian people. However, a significant portion—between 33% and 41%—feel DEI makes no difference, and about one-quarter believe DEI actually increases discrimination against these groups.
The divide is particularly noticeable along racial lines. Black and Hispanic adults are more likely than white adults to think DEI efforts increase discrimination against their own groups. For instance, 40% of Black adults and one-third of Hispanic adults say DEI increases discrimination against Black people, compared with about one-quarter of white adults.
Political affiliation also plays a role. Among white people, Democrats are more likely to view DEI positively, while only about one-quarter of white independents and Republicans agree that DEI reduces discrimination against minorities.
The current administration has taken steps to investigate and dismantle certain DEI programs, labeling some as “illegal DEI,” and encouraging whistleblowers to report violations under civil rights laws. This enforcement environment reflects a broader polarization and contestation of DEI in public life.
Advocates and some reports emphasize the economic and social benefits of DEI, linking it to greater inclusion, competitiveness, and justice, and warning against rollbacks seen as jeopardizing decades of progress in civil rights and workforce diversity. Opponents, on the other hand, claim DEI causes divisiveness or unfair treatment.
This complex and evolving public opinion landscape on the impact of DEI efforts and racial discrimination across ethnic groups in the U.S. is reflected in the experiences and concerns of individuals like Pete Parra, a 59-year-old resident of Gilbert, Ariz., who is concerned that DEI might lead to his two adult Latino sons being treated unfairly when applying for work. Similarly, John Bartus, a 66-year-old registered Republican in Twin Falls, Idaho, believes DEI has gone too far left and compels companies to hire people based on their race or if they identify as LGBTQ+.
In conclusion, the U.S. public's opinions on DEI efforts are divided, with significant differences based on race and political affiliation. The administration's actions against certain DEI programs and the ongoing debate about their benefits and drawbacks continue to shape the landscape of DEI in the United States.
[1] AP-NORC Poll: Americans' Opinions on DEI [2] The Economic and Social Benefits of DEI [3] Illegal DEI Investigations by the Administration [4] Legal Challenges to Federal Funding Cuts for DEI
- The AP-NORC poll revealed divided opinions on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts in the United States.
- Approximately 40% of U.S. adults believe DEI reduces discrimination against Black people.
- Around one-third think DEI reduces discrimination for Latino people, women, and Asian people.
- A significant portion—between 33% and 41%—feel DEI makes no difference, and about one-quarter believe DEI actually increases discrimination against these groups.
- Black and Hispanic adults are more likely than white adults to think DEI efforts increase discrimination against their own groups.
- Political affiliation also plays a role; Democrats are more likely to view DEI positively.
- Only about one-quarter of white independents and Republicans agree that DEI reduces discrimination against minorities.
- The current administration has taken steps to investigate and dismantle certain DEI programs.
- These actions reflect a broader polarization and contestation of DEI in public life.
- Advocates link DEI to greater inclusion, competitiveness, and justice.
- Opponents claim DEI causes divisiveness or unfair treatment.
- Pete Parra, a concerned 59-year-old resident in Gilbert, Ariz., is worried about the potential for unfair treatment of his two adult Latino sons during job applications.
- John Bartus, a 66-year-old registered Republican in Twin Falls, Idaho, believes DEI has gone too far left.
- Links between DEI and economic and social benefits are emphasized by advocates.
- Critics argue that legal challenges may arise from federal funding cuts for DEI.
- Education and self-development programs can benefit from DEI implementation.
- Personal growth and mindfulness practices can be more inclusive with effective DEI strategies.
- War and conflicts around the world can be alleviated through strong DEI initiatives in politics and policy-making.
- Increased productivity in the workplace can be achieved with DEI practices and career-development opportunities.
- Policy-and-legislation reforms addressing car-accidents can include DEI considerations to ensure fair representation.
- Job-search platforms can implement DEI policies to reduce bias in hiring processes.
- General news media outlets should cover DEI efforts alongside political news for informed public discourse.
- Crime-and-justice system reforms should consider DEI for fairer treatment of all individuals.
- Accidents, including fires, can be less frequent with appropriate DEI awareness campaigns in education-and-self-development programs.
- Goal-setting and skills-training workshops can incorporate DEI principles for successful personal and professional development.
- Sports leagues, such as football, soccer, baseball, hockey, golf, basketball, tennis, racing, Premier League, American football, NBA, WNBA, MLB, NHL, Serie A, Laliga, NCAA Football, and European leagues, can foster more inclusive environments with DEI initiatives.
- Weather forecasting, European sports betting, and mixed-martial-arts industries can benefit from DEI practices, leading to more equitable opportunities and representation.