DEI is a ‘strategic decision’ CEOs can make, business leaders tell companies

After the US supreme court struck down affirmative action for universities, the conservative legal movement is targeting the business sector. Photograph: Brendan McDermid/Reuters

A coalition of business leaders sent letters to the CEOs of the Fortune 500 companies on Wednesday urging them to maintain a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives as they come under conservative attack.

“Business decisions intended to capture the value from diversity initiatives have been politicized by a vocal minority of ideologically motivated voices who ignore both facts and the law,” the letter from groups including US Black Chambers and the Global Black Economic Forum read. “We believe it is imperative that CEOs and other company leaders are able to make strategic decisions for their companies without threats of frivolous lawsuits and political pressure.”