What is a 'DEI hire? Diversity initiatives take election spotlight with Tennessee politician's comments

Diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives have been under a microscope and vilified.

Questions and talks about diversity, equity and inclusion programs in higher education, companies and their place in America is a hot topic among conservatives as the presidential election draws near. Republicans took aim at DEI initiatives during the Republican National Convention last week. On Monday, Tennessee Representative Tim Burchett stated that Vice President Kamala Harris and now former Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle were "DEI hire(s)." Dismissing the two women's qualifications with a statement.

The recent comments have brought back the question of just what DEI is and what does a "DEI hire" mean. Here's a look at where DEI programs and initiatives are and the roots of the program.

What does DEI mean? When did it start?

Diversity, equity, and inclusion refers to organizational frameworks that seek to promote "the fair treatment and full participation of all people", particularly groups "who have historically been underrepresented or subject to discrimination".

In a nutshell, DEI programs create a place where all are welcome, supported and have the resources to succeed regardless of identity, race or orientation.

In 2020 and 2021, diversity policies and programs rushed into existence amid the nation’s racial reckoning. But these aren't new or radical ideas.

Affirmative action and equal employment laws were enacted in the middle of the 1960s, following the introduction of equal employment laws and affirmative action in workplaces, according to the Department of Labor. These laws also pushed companies to develop diversity training programs meant to help employees adapt to working in increasingly integrated office environments.

What does 'DEI hire' mean?

Burchett's comments about Harris and Cheatle referred to diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives to expand opportunities for women and people of color in workplaces and create more inclusive organizational cultures.

During a House Committee on Oversight and Accountability questioning Cheatle on the Secret Service's response during the assassination attempt against Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump in Pennsylvania, Burchett called Cheatle a "DEI horror story."

Before Cheatle was named director, she was the senior director of global security for PepsiCo, and before joining PepsiCo, she served 27 years in the Secret Service, including as assistant director of the office of protective operations.

He used similar language in a CNN interview when talking about Harris.

Harris served as a U.S. senator from California from 2017-2021 and the attorney general of California from 2011-2017 before she was elected vice president in 2020. Harris and President Joe Biden received more than 81.2 million votes, the highest total in American history by more than 8.6%.

Companies step back on DEI initiatives

Tennessee retailer Tractor Supply Company and John Deere, both Fortune 500 companies, have reexamined their DEI programs recently under pressure campaigns.

Last month, Tractor Supply slashed its diversity, equity and inclusion practices along with its goals that focused on environmental, social and governance. The change came in the wake of customer backlash, "We have heard from customers that we have disappointed them. We have taken this feedback to heart."

In response to the online criticism, Tractor Supply announced it would:

• No longer submit data to the Human Rights Campaign

• Refocus the team member engagement groups on mentoring, networking and supporting the business

• Further focus on rural America priorities including agricultural education, animal welfare, veteran causes, being a good neighbor and stop sponsoring nonbusiness activities like pride festivals and voting campaigns

• Eliminate DEI roles and retire current DEI goals while still ensuring a respectful environment

• Withdraw carbon emission goals and focus on land and water conservation efforts.

As for John Deere, the company stated it would audit its policies and would no longer participate in external social or cultural awareness events after receiving backlash for its diversity hiring targets and sponsoring LGBTQ+ events.

“Our customers’ trust and confidence in us are of the utmost importance to everyone at John Deere,” it wrote on social media platform X.

Do DEI initiatives work?

The vast majority – 96% – of corporate social impact professionals in 125 major companies say DEI commitments have either stayed the same (83%) or increased (13%), according to a new survey that the Association of Corporate Citizenship Professionals and YourCause from Blackbaud shared exclusively with USA TODAY.

Association of Corporate Citizenship Professionals president and CEO Carolyn Berkowitz said the survey “sends a clear signal” that the political environment has not weakened support for DEI.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: What is a 'DEI hire? Diversity initiatives take election spotlight