Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs, widely adopted across corporate America and U.S. colleges to address discrimination, might inadvertently intensify hostility and racial tensions, a recent study suggests.
Research conducted by the Network Contagion Research Institute (NCRI) and Rutgers University’s Social Perception Lab explored the psychological impact of certain DEI practices. The findings indicate that some DEI narratives can lead participants to develop confrontational attitudes and heightened racial suspicions.
“The evidence presented in these studies reveals that while purporting to combat bias, some anti-oppressive DEI narratives can engender a hostile attribution bias and heighten racial suspicion, prejudicial attitudes, authoritarian policing, and support for punitive behaviors in the absence of evidence for a transgression deserving punishment,” the study states.
Impacts of DEI Narratives
The researchers examined how exposure to ideas prevalent in DEI training affects individuals. Materials from controversial anti-racist authors were included, with themes suggesting that white supremacy and systemic racism are pervasive societal norms.
Participants exposed to these ideas exhibited a “hostile attribution bias,” becoming more inclined to support punitive measures, such as demanding dismissals or public apologies, even without concrete evidence of wrongdoing. “When people are supposed to see anti-racist material in the ideology, it looks like what happens is that they become more likely to punish for any evidence of wrongdoing,” said one of the study’s authors.
The study also found that DEI materials focusing on systemic oppression and victimization could foster distrust in institutions and influence subjective assessments of events. Anti-Islamophobia narratives, for example, reportedly led some participants to perceive Muslims as unfairly treated, regardless of supporting evidence.
DEI Prevalence and Criticism
According to a 2023 Pew Research Center survey, 52% of American workers participate in DEI training. Critics argue that these programs, while aimed at reducing bias, may sometimes exacerbate divisions.
The study claims such narratives can unintentionally amplify distrust and create a framework where individuals interpret events through a lens of systemic oppression.
Media Coverage Controversy
The study’s findings attracted interest from major outlets but were ultimately not published. A researcher from the NCRI alleged that coverage plans were canceled at the highest editorial levels.
One reporter informed the NCRI that an article was forthcoming, only for editors to decide against publication days later. Another outlet reportedly delayed publication over concerns about the study’s robustness.
A spokesperson for one media organization addressed the speculation, stating, “Our journalists are always considering potential topics for news coverage, evaluating them for newsworthiness, and often choose not to pursue further reporting for a variety of reasons. Speculative claims from outside parties about editorial processes are just that.”
Despite the controversy, the study has sparked debate about the effectiveness and unintended consequences of DEI initiatives.