SHRM Drops the 'E' in DEI: Equity Gets Bumped in New Strategy Shift

During the annual conference in Chicago held from June 23-26, 2024, SHRM, the largest and most reputable HR organization globally, revealed a significant update. At the event, SHRM President and CEO, Johnny C. Taylor Jr., disclosed the decision to eliminate "Equity" from the DEI acronym. Taylor and the SHRM leadership explained that this choice was based on the belief that prioritizing inclusion over equity could enhance organizational unity, leading to better outcomes and nurturing a more supportive environment for equity in a sustainable and integrated manner.

This announcement has sparked extensive dialogue within the HR community. Some are worried that shifting the focus away from equity might impede efforts to address deep-rooted systemic inequalities. Taylor clarifies that this is primarily a rebranding initiative, aiming to emphasize inclusion to foster a more cohesive environment where diversity and inclusion can naturally progress towards equity. Many questions remain about how employees will respond, the impact on morale, and the measurement and accountability aspects, especially given that the announcement originated from a male CEO. The upcoming months and year will be intriguing as numerous changes, aligning with significant corporate interests, appear to be unfolding from SCOTUS to SHRM.