A recent report indicates a significant decline in the use of terms like 'diversity,' 'racial,' 'gender,' and 'DEI' in corporate filings among large U.S. public companies. More than one-third of S&P 100 companies have stopped using 'equity.' Usage of 'DEI' fell 68% in S&P 500 filings. The trend reflects a response to legal concerns raised by recent political developments, leading companies to avoid potentially risky disclosures, including demographic data showing reductions in reporting women's representation in management and overall workforce numbers.
A new report from The Conference Board shows a sharp decline in usage of 'diversity,' 'racial,' 'gender,' or 'DEI.' Over a third of S&P 100 companies have stopped using the term 'equity' altogether.
Use of 'DEI' declined 68% from 2024 to 2025 in the major filings of S&P 500 companies. The analysis is based on the public companies' 2025 Form 10-Ks.
C-Suite executives question if DEI initiatives, many enacted after George Floyd's murder, open them to heightened legal risk. Some companies continue efforts, but are less likely to disclose.
The share of companies disclosing workforce demographic data has also fallen, including a 16% drop in reporting women in management and a 14% decline in overall female workforce reporting.
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