Executives Mum on Diversity After Affirmative Action Ruling (1)

US executives drastically cut back on public discussions of workplace diversity last quarter, in the first earnings season since the Supreme Court’s ruling against affirmative action sent a chill through corporate boardrooms.

Mentions of diversity, equity and inclusion on earnings calls and at conferences among Russell 3,000 Index companies fell by 54% from a year ago in the third quarter to the lowest since 2018, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.

Since the court decision, which effectively barred universities from using race as a factor in admissions, Republican lawmakers and conservative groups have publicly warned US corporations that their diversity ...