In 2025, the landscape of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) shows a widening global divide.

While the United States is scaling back many of its DEI policies, countries across Europe, Asia, and beyond are continuing to embed inclusive practices into law, business, and education.

This divergence isn’t just political. It’s deeply cultural, with far-reaching implications for hiring, reputation, and leadership.

Inside the U.S. DEI Backlash

In recent months, several high-profile developments have marked a clear pivot away from federal and corporate DEI commitments:

• Executive Order Rollbacks: The Trump administration rescinded Executive Order 11246, which had previously required federal contractors to implement affirmative action programs (Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs, n.d.).

• Corporate Pullouts: Companies like Meta, Walmart, Amazon, and Target have reduced or eliminated DEI programs in response to shareholder concerns, legal ambiguity, and political scrutiny (Murray, 2025).

• Higher Ed Under Investigation: The U.S. Department of Justice launched investigations into hiring practices at institutions like Harvard, alleging that DEI-driven recruitment may violate anti-discrimination laws (Belkin, 2025).

• Military Admissions Overhaul: The Department of Defense ordered service academies to eliminate race, gender, and ethnicity as factors in admissions—citing a need to focus solely on merit (Lapin, 2025).

• Declining Public Confidence: According to Pew Research, a majority of Americans now believe that years of racial equity advocacy have not produced tangible improvements—fueling skepticism around DEI efforts (Pew Research Center, 2025).

Globally: DEI is Gaining Strength

Beyond U.S. borders, DEI is evolving—not retreating.

Nations and institutions are continuing to strengthen inclusive policies as part of economic strategy, national identity, and human rights frameworks.

• Sweden’s Defiant Stand: Stockholm’s city government recently refused a request from the U.S. Embassy to dismantle DEI-linked requirements for city contractors. Swedish officials cited national law and democratic values as the basis for their refusal (Associated Press, 2025).

• Global Corporations Stay the Course: Many multinational firms headquartered in Europe and Asia are reaffirming their DEI strategies, seeing them as essential to innovation, workforce resilience, and international growth (Klein, 2025).

• World Economic Forum & Policy Alignment: Global institutions continue to position equity, accessibility, and diversity as pillars of sustainable development (World Economic Forum, n.d.).

For U.S. Employers: Which Direction Are You Headed?

This growing divide presents a crossroads. U.S. employers must choose: follow the wave of reduction, or align with the future being shaped by global standards.

DEI isn't just a political stance—it’s a reflection of what kind of organization you run and who feels welcome within it.

Whether you're hiring your next team lead, expanding your outreach, or navigating compliance, the direction you take sends a clear signal.

How Diversity.com Supports Purposeful, Inclusive Hiring

At Diversity.com, we work with employers who understand that hiring decisions are also values decisions.

In a moment when inclusion is being politicized, we remain focused on what matters—helping mission-aligned teams grow through equitable access, thoughtful representation, and long-term DEI strategy.

For Employers & HR Leaders:

✔ Create a free employer account — Post open roles and hire with intention. Choose from flexible options: single listings, job credit packs, or subscription plans.
✔ Access a diverse talent network — Connect with professionals across backgrounds, experiences, and identities to drive workplace innovation.
✔ Stay ahead with DEI insights — Explore timely articles, hiring best practices, and workplace inclusion trends.

For Job Seekers:

✔ Search jobs with inclusive employers — Find opportunities where equity, belonging, and authenticity are priorities.
✔ Create a free job seeker account — Apply to roles that align with your values, experiences, and aspirations.
✔ Learn more about workplace inclusion — Access tips, resources, and real-world guidance to navigate your career with confidence.

We believe in a future where every career journey and every hire moves us closer to true equity.

Inclusion doesn’t disappear because it’s under pressure. It becomes more important. Let your next hire reflect that.

Start building with Diversity.com.

If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to Contact Us Here. Our dedicated support team is ready to help!

Related Articles

• Cultural Taxation in the Workplace: The Hidden Burden on Minority Employees

• The Rise of DEI Fatigue: Navigating the Challenges and Reaffirming Commitments

• Stockholm Said No: What a Swedish Rejection of U.S. Pressure Says About Global DEI Values

• Five Years After George Floyd: Pew Survey Reveals Doubts About DEI Progress

• Why Companies Are Reframing DEI Language in 2025

• Tokenism at Work: How to Spot It and Replace It With Real Inclusion

• Code-Switching in the Workplace: Navigating Identity and Professionalism

• Shareholders Overwhelmingly Reject Anti-DEI Proposals: A Strong Signal for Inclusive Hiring

Sources & References

• Associated Press. (2025, May 6). Stockholm rejects U.S. demand to end DEI programs in accordance with Trump policy. PBS NewsHour. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/stockholm-rejects-u-s-demand-to-end-dei-programs-in-accordance-with-trump-policy

• Belkin, D. (2025, March 21). Trump administration takes fight with Harvard to university’s hiring practices. The Wall Street Journal. https://www.wsj.com/us-news/education/trump-administration-takes-fight-with-harvard-to-universitys-hiring-practices-d3c1b187

• Klein, P. (2025, May 12). DEI in jeopardy in America, thriving around the world. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/pklein/2025/05/12/dei-in-jeopardy-in-america-thriving-around-the-world/

• Lapin, T. (2025, May 9). Military academies told to ignore race, ethnicity, or sex in admissions. New York Post. https://nypost.com/2025/05/09/us-news/hegseth-orders-service-academies-to-ignore-race-ethnicity-or-sex-in-admissions/

• Murray, C. (2025, April 11). IBM reportedly walks back diversity policies, citing “inherent tensions.” Here are all the companies rolling back DEI programs. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/conormurray/2025/04/11/ibm-reportedly-walks-back-diversity-policies-citing-inherent-tensions/

• Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs. (n.d.). Executive Order 11246. U.S. Department of Labor. https://www.dol.gov/agencies/ofccp/executive-order-11246

• Pew Research Center. (2025, May 9). Few Americans say increased focus on race has improved lives of Black people. https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2025/05/09/few-americans-say-increased-focus-on-race-has-improved-lives-of-black-people/

• World Economic Forum. (n.d.). Diversity, equity and inclusion. https://www.weforum.org/focus/diversity-equity-and-inclusion