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Anti-DEI movement is working and it's influencing top companies.

According to CNN, major companies like Ford, Harley-Davidson and John Deere have recently moved to scale back their DEI efforts in recent months due to growing pressure from anti-DEI activists.

Anti-DEI Movement

Even Molson Coors, who have been supportive towards several LGBTQ+ events, have had a change of heart in terms of DEI initiatives as well. CNBC shared that in their defense, the CEO stated that they are only moving away from a focus on concrete metrics when it comes to diversity, equity, and inclusion aand is setting their eyes towards more of a general view of what inclusivity should look like.

Fast Company reported that the pushback against DEI initiatives has accelerated since the summer of 2020, partly because of very public controversies, such as Bud Light's partnering with a trans influencer.

However, pulling back from DEI can be a form of corporate activism, which critics say may alienate consumers and hurt brand reputation.

Why Pulling DEI Initiatives is Bad For Business

Marketing experts stated that a company with no DEI initiative will reduce investor confidence and bruise a company's image.

Specifically, Tom Sebok of The New England Consulting Group said that DEI flip-flopping says something not so great about a leader's character, which is a brand integrity issue.

Besides negative publicity against companies that backtrack on DEI initiatives, employees who want a workplace culture respectful of an inclusive environment could also have lower morale and satisfaction, leading to potentially lower productivity and higher turnover rates.

Overall-giving up on DEI puts a company at a competitive disadvantage, especially since diverse teams have been known to facilitate innovation and enhance decision-making. VCPost earlier reported that investors are now beginning to pay more attention to DEI as a driver of long-term success, with success similar to Apple and NVIDIA.

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