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The beauty of The United States of America is defined by diverse landscapes, historical significance and cultural richness. We are and will always be the world’s melting pot. We should acknowledge how diverse and distinct we are, but our demographics do not fully define who we are. What you can achieve will be based on how hard you work to gain the skills and knowledge needed to thrive.
What is equitable about diversity and inclusion?
Corporate America is finally facing an uncomfortable truth: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) programs may not work.
The numbers do not lie, narrating a truthful story unlike those shared by my fellow anglers. Companies are spending an average of $8 billion annually on DEI training, with nothing to show for it. i Recent surveys reveal that 62% of workers say these programs aren’t effective, and nearly half report the programs failed them entirely. This pattern repeats across corporate America and has seeped into American Universities. Millions of dollars have vanished from programs that appear to produce no measurable improvements. ii
For example, The University of Michigan spent $85 million on DEI efforts with such negligible results that even the Black Student Union questioned what it had accomplished.iii
Perhaps most concerning is that these programs often make things worse. Research demonstrates that DEI training can activate biases rather than eliminate them. Often, these programs fail because they prioritize directing employee behaviors instead of addressing root causes, creating resentment and division rather than unity. iv Does this come as a surprise given how many failed programs the United States Government has supported over the years?
The tide is turning, and major companies are catching on. Meta, McDonald’s, and Amazon have started scaling back their DEI programs, recognizing that these expensive initiatives don’t deliver results. Many companies have eliminated their DEI programs. Diligence, skillfulness, and eagerness to improve oneself will deliver desired results. Brands are returning to what works: merit-based hiring, performance-based promotion, and a focus on individual achievement.
The truth is simple: success in business comes from talent and hard work, not from mandatory diversity training or arbitrary quotas to balance a boardroom. As research continues to show, professional development programs centered on DEI are abject failures. Companies thrive when they focus on excellence and results, not when they’re checking diversity boxes.
It’s time to admit that DEI programs are a costly distraction from what really matters in business: finding and rewarding the best talent, regardless of demographics. The sooner companies accept this reality, the better off they will be.
