Diversity, equity, and inclusion jobs cut at higher rate than other roles – DEI workers claim positions are essential

A recent study revealed that companies are cutting diversity, equity, and inclusion roles at a higher rate than other jobs. As a result, DEI workers flocked to social media to complain about the trend and claim their positions are vital to workplace equity, Fox News Digital reported.

A report from Revelio Labs published earlier this month revealed a "disproportionate impact of layoffs on DEI professionals" and higher employee turnover.

"Attrition rates for DEI roles have outpaced those of non-DEI roles at more than 600 US companies that laid off workers since late 2020, and have accelerated quickly in the last 6 months," the report stated.

Companies that had layoffs in 2022 terminated DEI roles at a 33% rate versus a 21% rate for other positions.

According to the Revelio Labs report, Amazon, Twitter, and Nike cut between five and 16 DEI workers each in the last six months.

The report argued that the trend is a "bad sign" because it signals that companies are deprioritizing diversity and inclusion initiatives. It also claimed that businesses with DEI teams positively impact employee morale and tend to hire a more diverse staff.

DEI workers expressed concern regarding the trend and argued that their positions are essential for promoting workplace equity.

In a since-deleted Twitter post, equity strategist Minda Harts wrote, "I had over 30 speaking engagements last Feb. This month 5. It's insane how things have just been cut. Tell me that you care about your Black and Brown employees w/out telling me you care. How can you solve this… make equity all year around… You can't make equity optional."

Harts slammed companies for the DEI layoffs and urged them to "recommit" to fostering equitable workplaces because employees "need safe spaces," which she claimed is "tied to productivity."

Dr. Jenn M. Jackson, an assistant professor at Syracuse University and self-proclaimed abolitionist, replied, "This resonates. My engagements are much lower this year. And, I think it's important to pay attention to who is getting paid to talk about race right now: white women."

Jackson accused "a lot of white women" of "taking up space giving 'diversity and inclusion' talks."

Author and speaker Karen Catlin replied to Harts, "Speaking of March ... March 8 is International Women's Day. It's less than 3 weeks away. 2023 will be the first time in many years that I won't have a speaking engagement."

Hassan Mirza, a former DEI coordinator, told Harts he was the first to be cut when his employer started struggling financially.

"I'd imagine that the trend will continue with Women's month in March and even with Pride in June," Mirza wrote. "I was leading DEI events at my last job - and was 1st to get hit with a layoff. When companies are struggling to make profit, DEI and community get bumped sadly."

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