Episode 5: DEI & Boycotts

Should I participate in the anti-DEI boycott?
Consider activism through consumer spending and boycotting due to the pulling of DEI, but how are you making your choices??

In this episode, we discuss how in addition to the elimination of DEI programs in the federal government, we see a number of private companies publicly stating that they are dropping DEI and potentially rolling back DEI initiatives and programs. Some consumers are responding with spending boycotts targeting these organizations. However, as consumers are making choices about activist spending, it is important to dig deeper to consider not only what organizations are saying, but also what they are actually doing in service of advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion as you are making boycott choices.

Links to Mentions & References:
Articles:
-Forbes: Paramount Rolls Back Diversity Hiring Targets: Here Are All The Companies Cutting DEI Programs (2025)
-Fortune: The 45 companies on the MAGA anti-DEI hit list (2025)
-Impactivize: DEI Employers of the Day (2025)

Metrics:
-Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) 2024: Barron’s 100 Most Sustainable U.S. Companies 2025 (2025)
-Fair 360: Hall of Fame Top 50 Companies (2025)
-Human Rights Campaign (LGBTQ+ benchmarking): Corporate Equality Index 2025 (2025)
-Seramount: Best Companies Lists and Annual Surveys (2025)

Legal Resources:
-AG reports on using DEI:
California (represents basics of what all 16 states are advising): Attorney General Bonta Provides Guidance for Businesses on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Initiatives in the Workplace (2025)
Massachusetts: AG Campbell Issues Guidance For Businesses On Diversity, Equity, Inclusion And Accessibility Employment Initiatives In The Workplace