Five Years After George Floyd: Pew Survey Reveals Doubts About DEI Progress
In May 2020, the murder of George Floyd ignited global protests and a renewed focus on racial justice.
Five years later, a Pew Research Center survey conducted in February 2025 reveals that 72% of Americans believe the increased attention to racial inequality has not led to significant improvements in the lives of Black Americans (Pew Research Center, 2025).
Declining Support for Racial Justice Movements
Support for the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement has decreased from 67% in 2020 to 52% in 2025. Only 27% of Americans now believe that the protests led to meaningful improvements for Black people, down from 52% in September 2020 (The Guardian, 2025).
This decline is particularly notable among white Americans, while support remains higher among Black adults, Latinos, Democrats, and younger individuals (Axios, 2025).
Emotional Fatigue and Public Sentiment
The survey indicates that nearly half of U.S. adults feel emotionally drained when considering the state of race relations today.
This emotional fatigue reflects widespread frustration over the lack of sustained progress in addressing racial inequality (Axios, 2025).
Implications for DEI Initiatives
The waning public optimism and support for racial justice movements have significant implications for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
The rollback of DEI programs, particularly under the Trump administration's policies, has contributed to a broader rightward shift, with companies and institutions reevaluating their diversity commitments (The Guardian, 2025).
How Diversity.com Supports Inclusive Hiring Amid Challenges
At Diversity.com, we recognize the challenges organizations face in maintaining DEI commitments amid evolving societal and political landscapes.
As a dedicated DEI job board, our platform offers resources and tools to support employers and job seekers committed to fostering inclusive environments.
For Employers & HR Leaders:
✔ Post Inclusive Job Listings — Reach a diverse pool of candidates by highlighting your organization's commitment to DEI.
✔ Access DEI Resources — Utilize our curated content to inform and enhance your DEI strategies.
✔ Engage with a Community — Connect with like-minded professionals dedicated to advancing workplace diversity.
For Job Seekers:
✔ Find inclusive employers — Discover organizations that prioritize equity and inclusion in their hiring practices.
✔ Enhance Your Profile — Showcase your experiences and skills to employers committed to DEI.
✔ Stay Informed — Access articles and resources to support your career development in inclusive workplaces.
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Sources & References
Pew Research Center. (2025, May 7). After George Floyd: Views of Race, Policing and Black Lives Matter. https://www.pewresearch.org/race-and-ethnicity/2025/05/07/views-of-race-policing-and-black-lives-matter-in-the-5-years-since-george-floyds-killing/
The Guardian. (2025, May 7). US adults' belief in impact of BLM protests consistently decreased since 2020 - study. https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/may/07/black-lives-matter-george-floyd-race-study
Axios. (2025, May 7). Most say George Floyd's killing didn't spur racial justice changes, Pew finds. https://www.axios.com/2025/05/07/pew-poll-george-floyd-killing-black-lives-matter
