Candace Byrdsong Williams has transformed the front room of her sunlit home in North Carolina into a sanctuary of inspiration. The space is alive with vibrant plants and cherished photographs of her three daughters. A brightly-painted sign bearing her favorite Bible verse—“God is within her, she will not fall”—serves as a daily reminder of resilience. Among the sources of inspiration are stacks of books on memoirs, business advice, and professional guides pertaining to the field of diversity, equity, and inclusion, commonly referred to as DEI. This is the realm where Byrdsong Williams has dedicated the last 18 years of her career, often radiating a calming optimism.
However, her voice trembles as she picks up a textbook titled The Chief Diversity Officer. This title symbolizes the apex of her once-thriving profession and the promotion she aspired to achieve before being laid off in August. The current state of the DEI job market has become a challenging landscape, one that she describes as a “toxic wasteland.” “I was hoping that was going to be the next role,” she shares, reflecting on the current political climate that has drastically altered the DEI landscape.
As she approached her 50th birthday last summer, Byrdsong Williams was nearing the summit of her career, holding the position of global director of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Yet, the aspiration of becoming a chief diversity officer now feels like an unattainable dream, not only for her but for thousands of workers across the United States. The political climate surrounding DEI has been intensifying for years, with significant backlash emerging even before the re-election of former President Trump, who expedited the controversy by signing executive orders aimed at dismantling what he termed “illegal DEI” initiatives.
This political shift has prompted many employers to retreat from anything associated with diversity, including the experienced DEI specialists who were once in high demand. For instance, Verizon recently announced the cessation of many of its DEI policies while seeking approval from the Federal Communications Commission for a $20 billion merger. In this move, Verizon assured the agency that its human resources department would no longer maintain a dedicated DEI team or individual roles focused on diversity.
The fallout from this shift has been devastating for professionals like Byrdsong Williams. Since the beginning of 2023, U.S. employers have eliminated over 2,600 jobs with terms related to diversity or DEI in their titles or descriptions, as revealed by a data analysis conducted for NPR by Revelio Labs. This constitutes approximately 13% of all DEI-related positions that existed earlier this year, marking a significant downturn from the hiring boom.
The recent anniversary of the murder of George Floyd on May 25 has reignited discussions about systemic racism and corporate accountability. In the aftermath, corporate America initially rallied to commit to fighting discrimination and enhancing opportunities for all employees. Despite some superficial pledges, companies invested heavily and hired thousands to implement DEI initiatives. By early 2023, over 20,000 individuals were employed in DEI roles, more than double the number from five years prior.
However, as organizations expanded their DEI teams, they faced mounting criticism from conservative influencers, activists, and government officials. Critics argue that DEI initiatives create undue barriers for white individuals, particularly white men, in terms of employment and promotions, even if they are the most qualified candidates. This backlash gained momentum in 2023 when the Supreme Court invalidated affirmative action in higher education.
High-profile instances, such as Bud Light’s significant sales loss due to a conservative boycott after hiring a transgender influencer, exemplify the intense scrutiny surrounding DEI initiatives. Following Trump’s second inauguration, his administration intensified its attacks on diversity programs, labeling them as radical and wasteful.
Consequently, major corporations like Walmart, Target, Amazon, and Meta have recently scaled back or eliminated their DEI policies. This trend has had a profound impact on individuals like Byrdsong Williams, who find themselves navigating a challenging job market that is both downsized and increasingly competitive. After nine months of searching, she reflects, “It’s been pretty tough. I just didn’t think it would take this long.”
The daily work of fostering inclusive workplaces is often both vital and mundane. DEI professionals like Byrdsong Williams focus on practical logistics to create welcoming environments for all employees, ultimately making organizations more attractive to a diverse pool of qualified candidates. Byrdsong Williams has developed mentoring programs, resource groups, and recruiting initiatives that target historically Black colleges and universities, demonstrating the tangible benefits of DEI work.
Despite some companies retracting their DEI policies, many acknowledge the necessity of attracting diverse talent to succeed. For example, Verizon stated its commitment to fostering a culture that values each individual's unique strengths, even as it stepped back from specific DEI roles. Similarly, other organizations like Costco and Delta Air Lines are publicly defending their DEI initiatives, while companies like Target and Walmart have shifted the language they use to discuss these efforts, opting for terms like “belonging” instead.
Despite a lingering demand for DEI roles, Revelio Labs indicates that job postings related to diversity initiatives have significantly decreased since 2022. Although the number of positions in this field remains higher than at the start of 2020, the trend suggests a return to pre-boom levels. Many chief diversity officers are resigning, retiring, or being laid off, with few replacements in sight. Executive recruiters are noticing a slowdown in demand for DEI executives, reflecting a challenging environment for professionals in this field.
As Byrdsong Williams searches for opportunities in people and cultural transformation, she hopes that potential employers will look beyond the politicized terminology on her resume. Despite the challenges, she remains committed to her passion for fostering inclusiveness in the workplace. “I just want to do good work until it’s time for me to retire,” she asserts, highlighting her dedication to her field.
The retreat from DEI initiatives disproportionately affects women and people of color. Those working in DEI recognize that the profession’s objectives have sometimes been ill-defined, with critics misinterpreting their intentions. The work of inclusion and diversity is designed to enhance the workplace for all individuals, fostering an environment where everyone can thrive without diminishing the opportunities of others.
As Byrdsong Williams continues her journey, she reflects on the importance of her work. “It’s not only about the things that you can see,” she says, recalling her early experiences that shaped her understanding of diversity. Her career path has taken her from leading DEI initiatives at major companies like Cisco and GitLab to navigating the current challenging landscape.
Despite the setbacks, Byrdsong Williams remains hopeful. She reflects on her life’s work and the meaningful connections she has forged throughout her career. As she visits an art museum showcasing a new exhibit titled “The Power of Community,” one painting resonates deeply with her—a child preparing to leap, symbolizing the courage to embrace uncertainty. “I love that,” she murmurs, recognizing the leap of faith required in both her personal and professional journey.
