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Delta, Cisco Stand Firm on DEI Despite Growing Backlash

Coin WorldFriday, Apr 4, 2025 8:45 am ET
1min read

In the face of increasing opposition to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies, several prominent companies have publicly reaffirmed their dedication to these initiatives. This trend is part of a broader cultural shift in corporate America, where dei efforts have become a focal point for various stakeholders, including activist shareholders and anti-DEI advocates.

The backlash against DEI policies gained significant momentum following the Supreme Court's decision in 2023 to overturn affirmative action in college admissions. This ruling emboldened critics who argue that DEI policies constitute reverse discrimination against certain groups. As a result, several major corporations have scaled back their diversity programs, a trend that has accelerated since the federal government made the elimination of these policies a priority.

Despite this rollback, some companies have remained steadfast in their support for DEI. delta air lines, for instance, has been vocal about its commitment to diversity. Peter Carter, Delta's chief external affairs officer, emphasized during an earnings call in January that DEI is integral to the company's business strategy. "We are steadfast in our commitments because we think that they are actually critical to our business," Carter stated. "DE&I is about talent, and that’s been our focus." Delta's annual report further underscored this stance, asserting that its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is essential for effective human capital management.

Similarly, Cisco has publicly defended its DEI initiatives. CEO Chuck Robbins highlighted the business value of a diverse workforce during a January interview, stating, "You cannot argue with the fact that a diverse workforce is better. There’s too much business value." This sentiment is echoed by other companies like Costco and Apple, which have also publicly defended their DEI programs against shareholder activists.

The rationale behind these companies' unwavering support for DEI is multifaceted. A 2023 McKinsey report, while criticized for its methodology, found that companies with more ethnic and gender diversity were more likely to outperform those with less. Additionally, a 2023 survey from Pew Research Center revealed that around 56% of workers believe that focusing on increasing DEI at work is "mainly a good thing," although attitudes vary across different groups.

In summary, while the broader corporate landscape has seen a rollback of DEI policies, companies like Delta and Cisco are standing firm in their support. These organizations recognize the strategic and ethical importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and are committed to maintaining these initiatives despite the growing backlash.

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durustakta
04/04
$DAL not heading to 35 but they're dead set on it
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Mojojojo3030
04/04
$DAL is a buy now, but grab it by the truckload at $30
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yungdjtechno
04/04
DEI is their engine; critics' noise can't stop their drive
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Gejdhd
04/04
Rolling back DEI is like cutting R&D; you might save short term but lose big in the long run.
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CrimsonBrit
04/04
Inclusion isn't just ethical; it's efficient. Happy employees perform better and stick around longer.
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GazBB
04/04
Delta and Cisco staying strong on DEI despite the heat shows they're thinking long-term. 🚀
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Beetlejuice_hero
04/04
@GazBB Do you think other companies will follow?
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enosia1
04/04
DEI isn't just ethical; it's smart biz. Diverse teams innovate and perform better. Fact.
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ResponsibleCell1606
04/04
As an investor, I hold $CSCO for its vision, not just quarterlies. DEI is part of that vision.
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maxckmfk
04/04
@ResponsibleCell1606 How long have you been holding $CSCO, and do you think DEI is a key factor in its long-term growth?
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thelastsubject123
04/04
Diversity isn't a quota; it's about skills, perspectives. Blind spots show up when you ignore this.
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killawatts22
04/04
Anyone else think the DEI pushback is partly because some see it as "woke capitalism"? 🤔
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EX-FFguy
04/04
DEI is about more than just workforce; it's about customer base and market relevance too.
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skilliard7
04/04
@EX-FFguy True, DEI impacts customer base too.
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GoodCoffeee
04/04
The DEI backlash feels like a short-lived trend. Companies adapting to it might miss the bigger cultural wave.
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howtospellsisyphus
04/04
Wonder if $AAPL and others defending DEI will face more pressure from activist shareholders soon.
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noonewilltakemealive
04/04
Wow!🚀 DAL stock went full bull trend! Cashed out $294 gains!
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