Why DEI isn't doomed-even if some brands are rolling back their efforts

C-suite executives at Fortune 500 companies, including JPMorgan Chase's Jamie Dimon, Cigna Health's David Cordani, and ConocoPhillips' Ryan Lance, are reassuring shareholders that their organizations' commitment to DEI is solid. In comments made at the Council of Institutional Investors fall conference, Dimon stated that DEI is "good for business, it's morally right," emphasizing that it "makes financial sense to reach out" to diverse communities, including LGBTQ+ employees and consumers. His remarks highlight the ongoing commitment of many large organizations to DEI, countering the narrative that these efforts are fading.

The Association of Corporate Citizenship Professionals' annual survey on corporate social responsibility found that 83% of respondents said their organization's commitment to DEI remains consistent despite recent challenges. This statistic showcases that, despite the backlash from certain sectors, the majority of companies continue to see the value in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within their corporate frameworks. It underlines that the recent pushback against DEI initiatives by some companies is more of an isolated incident than an indication of widespread trend.

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