Trump’s Scrutiny Spurs Employers to Consider Social Class in DEI

Businesses mulling diversity policy changes to avoid Trump administration enforcement have a new option: focus on socioeconomic background in place of, or in addition to, race and gender.

Some legal scholars and consultants suggest companies stop focusing solely on protected traits under Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act and add programs for workers from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

But they acknowledge including economic class distinctions in diversity, equity, and inclusion programs creates potential legal and practical pitfalls, even if helps fend off an Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and Justice Department targeting DEI.

“First-generation professionals,” or those first in their ...