Steve Jordan considers whether the global mobility industry is likely to be swayed by Donald Trump’s policy on DE&I.
It came as a bit of a shock when the President of the United States started targeting DE&I programmes. It got me to thinking whether, just a simple change in policy like this, could really change the way businesses behave to their people. So I decided to ask some members of our industry what they thought. But first, a little context, and my own thoughts:
Donald Trump has been vocal about his stance on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) since the start of his first presidency. His statements and actions have sparked significant debate and controversy, reflecting broader societal divisions over the role and impact of DE&I initiatives.
Trump has consistently criticised DE&I policies, calling them divisive and counterproductive. He’s issued executive orders aimed at dismantling DE&I programmes within federal agencies and the private sector. He argued that these initiatives prioritise race and gender over individual merit, which he claimed undermines the principles of equality and excellence.
For example, according to an article in USA Today, Trump stated, perhaps rather prematurely, "We have ended the tyranny of so-called diversity, equity, and inclusion policies all across the entire federal government and, indeed, the private sector and our military," emphasising his administration's efforts to eliminate such programmes.
One of Trump's key actions was signing an executive order that terminated DE&I-related criteria in federal contracting and hiring. This order mandated that federal hiring and promotions focus solely on individual initiative, skills, and performance, explicitly barring DE&I-related factors. Trump described this move as a historic step to protect civil rights and expand individual opportunity, aligning with his broader agenda to promote merit-based systems.
Critics argue that his actions and rhetoric have fuelled backlash against DE&I initiatives, exacerbating tensions in an already polarised nation. Advocacy groups have accused Trump of attacking pathways to the American Dream and hoarding opportunities for the privileged few. They contend that DE&I programmes are essential for creating inclusive environments and addressing systemic inequalities, and that dismantling them undermines progress towards a more equitable society.
Supporters of Trump's position, however, view DE&I initiatives as a form of reverse discrimination that unfairly disadvantages certain groups. They argue that these programmes focus excessively on race and gender, neglecting individual merit and fostering intergroup hostility.
The international mobility industry fosters DE&I by its very existence. The nature of our work forces us day-by-day to mix, accept and understand people of all races and cultures, and alleviates any potential prejudice. We live and work in a homogenous environment to a large degree.
Yet still companies across the globe in the last decade or so have introduced DE&I programmes. Why? ...