This summer proved to be a pivotal time for DEI. For those who stay apprised of policies and laws around diversity, equity and inclusion, the U.S. Supreme Court's June 29,
2023 decision in Students for Fair Admissions (SFFA) was perceived as a blow to improving race relations. But the truth of the matter is this: first, the decision in that case was specific to the college admissions programs at Harvard and UNC; second, the Court enforced and more significantly, revised the strict scrutiny standard for an exception to constitutionally required equal protection; and third, the SFFA cases were brought under 14th Amendment and Title VI, not under Title VII. Thus, workplace DEI is not dead. However, it is not unreasonable to pause and reevaluate your programs and initiatives (continuous improvement has always been encouraged). If, however, your organization is eliminating its DEI programs, that might be irrational. There are proven benefits to fostering diversity, equity and inclusion. There are also clear risks to de-prioritizing DEI and allowing the undercurrents of a toxic workplace culture to fester.
TULIP Advisory Professionals LLC can help you align your DEI strategy to your organization's specific needs. We've helped numerous organizations leverage readily available data to create a fit-for-purpose DEI strategy with targeted and measurable outcomes. We've also been called in to conduct workplace investigations at organizations that disregarded DEI or saw it as a low priority. Because our team is comprised of employment lawyers, DEI professionals and data & analytics consultants, we are uniquely positioned to create a well-balanced DEI strategy that drives business outcomes and mitigates risks simultaneously. For more information on how TULIP can help your organization proactively navigate today's DEI landscape with a strategy that works, email us at info@tulipadvisory.com. Or, give us a call at (678) 990-0910. We look forward to showing you how DEI can work for your organization.
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