In the vocabulary of corporate euphemisms, the concept of sunsetting generally suggests a soft landing. It typically refers to the gradual phasing out of programs, departments, or services—signaling a gentle, planned process of closure. But with the recent recession in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives across America, the notion of any kind of “soft landing” is misplaced – and dangerously misleading.
What we are witnessing is not a quiet sunset; it’s a systematic dismantling.
Earlier this month, the National Diversity Council shuttered its services, yet another sign of the fleeting momentum behind DEI efforts. The NDC, like many other organizations, rose to prominence on the wave of racial justice advocacy that followed the murder of George Floyd in 2020. In the aftermath, corporations across the U.S. made ambitious commitments, pledging billions to address the systemic inequities that disproportionately affect Black communities and people of color. These promises aimed to tackle disparities in health care, education, business, and the criminal justice system—particularly the economic barriers that Black men face.
According to a letter posted to the NDC website:
“Over the years, the National Diversity Council (NDC) has functioned as a resource and advocate for the value of diversity equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) in our workplaces and communities. . .. Despite the tremendous efforts and dedication our staff and partners have shown, the National Diversity Council has announced its plan to wind down operations and dissolve the organization as soon as reasonably possible.”
For a brief period, it seemed like America was reckoning with its history. Companies and institutions expressed empathy, held listening sessions, and vowed to invest in a future built on racial equity. Yet, even as those promises were made, many observers were skeptical. And now, as the pendulum swings back, it’s clear those fears were well-founded. The corporate retreat from these DEI commitments has been precipitous. DEI is being dismantled—piece by piece.
The backlash to DEI is not new. For as long as diversity initiatives have existed, there has been resistance. The evolution from multiculturalism on college campuses to today's DEI programs has always been met with pushback. Conservative commentators and right-wing forces have long criticized such efforts as divisive or unfair advantages for people of color. But what’s been happening over the last several years is more than just criticism—it’s a concerted, coordinated effort to dismantle DEI through legal challenges, state legislation, and coordinated cultural attacks.
