While the high court ruling in the college admissions cases did not directly implicate the so-called diversity, equity or inclusion policies that have seen widespread adoption among the country’s largest employers, many legal experts believe efforts to diversity in the workplace will see additional challenges that illegally stimulate some groups over others.
The letter, directed at Fortune 100 companies and other large companies, argues that racial discrimination is « all too common » and violates federal and state civil rights laws.
« Responsible corporations interested in supporting underprivileged individuals and communities can find many legal outlets to do so, » wrote the group, led by the Kansas and Tennessee attorneys general. « But drawing gross lines based on skin color is not a legal outlet and does more harm than help. »
Conservatives have stepped up their attacks on businesses over what they perceive as « awakened » policies, especially diversity initiatives and ESG-related efforts.
DEI defenders note that many of the things employers have adopted, such as statistical analyzes of their workforce or setting hiring goals, are ambitious and non-binding.
However, the attorneys general say many of these efforts actually serve as illegal race-based quotas and have called on the companies to stop.
“If your company has previously resorted to racial preferences or bare quotas to compensate for its bigotry, that discriminatory path is now permanently closed,” the letter said, citing the Supreme Court opinion. “Your business needs to overcome its underlying bias and deal All employees, All applicants, e All contractors alike, without regard to race.
The letter was first reported by the Wall Street Journal.
