Majority of Organizations Maintain DEI Functions Despite Political Shifts, Study Reveals

A recent poll from HR.com's HR Research Institute reveals that most organizations have not altered their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) functions, despite significant political and legal changes impacting workplace diversity strategies.

The study, which surveyed 784 HR professionals across multiple industries in early 2025, found that 58% of organizations have maintained their existing DEI structures. Only 8% reported making changes through renaming or restructuring, while 3% completely discontinued their DEI programs.

The research comes at a critical time when federal policy shifts are challenging traditional diversity initiatives. President Donald Trump's executive orders have systematically dismantled DEI programs in federal agencies, military institutions, and among federal contractors, creating a complex regulatory environment for organizations.

While these federal actions do not directly control private-sector DEI programs, they have created a heightened legal and political landscape that challenges existing diversity strategies. The research suggests that most organizations are taking a cautious approach, potentially waiting to understand the full implications of these policy changes.

The study also highlighted that 24% of respondents indicated their organizations never had a DEI function, underscoring the varied approaches to workplace diversity across different sectors.

As organizations navigate this evolving landscape, the research provides crucial insights into how companies are responding to significant shifts in diversity and inclusion policies. The nuanced findings suggest that while political pressures are mounting, many organizations remain committed to their existing diversity frameworks.