Why did Elon Musk say that 'DEI must DIE' - and how many people share his view? If there are signs that a backlash is brewing against diversity, equity and inclusion, why are HR and DEI professionals dismissing opposition as a 'right-wing culture war' that should be ignored? Is this failure to engage with criticism a further sign that something is seriously wrong with an industry that was meant to be about doing the right thing?
In this episode, Julie and Tanya discuss whether it's time for the industry to start some serious soul searching:
- What has gone wrong with DEI - and when did the trouble start?
- Why are the 'right' beliefs presented as a package, and when did it become taboo to raise questions about any of it?
- Are a small number of 'drunk drivers' taking DEI off a cliff?
- What does the growing number of tribunals relating to protected characteristics in the Equality Act tell us about the true state of workplace cultures?
- Did HR directors take their eye of the ball, failing to recognise the business risks that 'bad DEI' poses to their organisation?
- Why do some heads of DEI seem to be building an echo chamber for themselves - and when did it become normal to 'block' challenge from industry peers on LinkedIn?
- And is this the first DEI podcast to mention Triggernometry?
Will DEI survive? That depends on how the industry responds...