The Society for Human Resource Management recently announced it was dropping the word "equity" from its inclusion and diversity strategy, choosing instead to "lead with inclusion." SHRM noted the move was in response to "societal backlash and increasing polarization" connected to corporate DEI programs, which are increasingly under pressure following last year's Supreme Court ruling that struck down affirmative action in college admissions.

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While the SHRM move sparked a firestorm of discussion, it is a debate that has already been playing out across corporate America, with conservative activists arguing that the pursuit of equity has led some employers to give preference to certain workers in hiring and training. Critics have confronted organizations over their DEI policies, Pride Month activities and hiring of chief DEI executives, prompting some companies to pull back on corporate DEI commitments by, for example, disbanding DEI teams and removing DEI metrics from executive pay strategies.