DEI job opportunities decline, yet colleges persist in promoting diversity studies.

American Universities ⁢and⁣ Colleges ​Embrace DEI Programs

American universities and colleges are now offering students degrees ⁢or certifications in diversity,​ equity, and inclusion‍ (DEI). This comes at a time when major ⁣U.S. corporations are reportedly‍ laying‌ off DEI-focused senior officers ‌and thousands of employees.

In ⁤the wake⁢ of George Floyd’s death in 2020, American companies faced⁤ immense pressure to address social justice and racial diversity in the⁢ workplace. Larry Fink, CEO of BlackRock, a‌ trillion-dollar asset management⁢ firm,​ has used BlackRock’s financial power to coerce other companies ⁣into‍ adopting​ the⁣ “environmental, social, and governance” (ESG) ⁢agenda.‍ BlackRock proudly stated in its 2020 annual reports ⁣that it had voted⁣ against management over‌ 1,500 ⁤times for⁣ “insufficient diversity” in‍ company‍ management.

“In 2018, ⁣less than half the companies ​in​ the S&P 500 employed‍ someone in⁢ the role, and by 2022, three out of four⁤ companies‌ had created a position.” – The Wall Street Journal

Responding to external ⁣demands and the desire to virtue signal,‍ American companies quickly hired DEI professionals‍ and added Chief Diversity Officers (CDOs) to⁢ their ⁢leadership teams. The Society for⁢ Human ⁤Resource Management reported that ‌DEI roles ​in the workplace increased by 55 percent following Floyd’s death. However, in recent months, Big Tech ‍companies like Amazon and Twitter have led ​the way in laying off diversity professionals, followed by⁣ other‍ well-known corporations. The ‌number of CDO searches has decreased‌ by⁣ 75% in the past year.

Factors in DEI‍ Downsizing

The ‍downsizing of​ DEI professionals can‌ be ⁣attributed‌ to several factors. Some companies hastily filled DEI roles​ without ⁤considering qualifications, leading ‌to high turnover rates. Additionally,⁢ DEI initiatives have proven divisive and controversial, ⁤often alienating employees and reinforcing stereotypes. A⁢ recent survey found‍ that only 30 percent of employees place great importance on‌ diversity⁣ in ⁣the ⁣workplace.

Despite the limited return on investment, DEI professionals have been generously compensated, ⁣with an average salary of $201,770 ⁤for a DEI director in the United⁣ States. As‍ businesses⁣ face declining revenues⁣ and profits, they have targeted DEI-focused employees for cost-cutting measures.

Credentialing Increases

While corporations‌ are ⁤cutting back on DEI employment, colleges⁤ and universities ⁤are‍ experiencing a “credentialing ⁤explosion”​ in ‌DEI programs. Several colleges across the country now offer DEI degree programs or minors. Bentley University is the first ⁣to offer Bachelor⁢ of ⁣Arts ⁢and Bachelor of Science programs in DEI. However, students ‍pursuing these programs may face⁢ difficulty finding‍ well-paying DEI employment opportunities upon graduation.

Colleges and‍ universities often offer degrees⁣ that do not align with market ‌needs, and the DEI program may ⁤join the list of ⁣overpriced, useless degrees. This could ⁢leave graduates​ burdened ⁤with‍ student​ loan debt ⁢and ‌limited ‌job prospects. When ‍unemployed or underemployed ⁣DEI students demand student loan write-offs in the ​future, taxpayers may be responsible for bailing them out.