Businesses across the United States must remain committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) despite recent government policy changes, UN experts have warned. In a statement issued on 10 March 2025, the experts urged companies to uphold human rights and continue fostering inclusive workplaces, regardless of shifting political landscapes.
Concerns have intensified following Executive Order 14173, issued by the US administration on 21 January. Titled “Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity,” the order revokes affirmative action policies and calls for an end to DEI initiatives across federal agencies, contractors, and subcontractors. It also encourages private businesses to follow suit, raising fears about potential human rights violations, particularly for marginalised communities.
UN experts described the order as “an unprecedented attack on DEI programmes,” warning that its language, which labels DEI as “dangerous, demeaning, and immoral,” puts LGBTI+ individuals and other vulnerable groups at heightened risk. The concern deepened on 5 February when the US Department of Justice issued a memo titled “Ending Illegal DEI and DEIA Discrimination Preferences.” The memo mandates a report by 1 March recommending measures to dismantle DEI policies and directs the Civil Rights Division to investigate and penalise “illegal DEI practices” in private companies and federally funded educational institutions.
UN officials stressed that these actions not only reverse years of progress in workplace inclusion but could also discourage businesses from pursuing anti-discrimination initiatives. They warned that such measures reinforce structural inequalities and undermine efforts made by both civil society and the business community.
Highlighting the importance of DEI, the experts reminded businesses of their obligations under the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. These principles state that companies must respect human rights independently of any government policies, ensuring that workplace inclusion remains a priority.
In response to these policy shifts, businesses are encouraged to collaborate with civil society, LGBTI+ organisations, and human rights defenders. The experts also urged corporate leaders to work together in leveraging their influence to uphold DEI standards and create a more inclusive work environment.
The UN experts have formally raised their concerns with the US government regarding these developments.
