‘Cowardly’ and ‘Shameful’: Top HR Group Faces DEI Dispute (1)

The world’s biggest human resources association dropped “equity” from its main diversity program, drawing anger from hundreds of talent managers online with comments such as “backwards,” “shameful” and “cowardly.”

The Society for Human Resources Management said it will be adopting the acronym “I&D” — or inclusion and diversity — and removing the “E” from its previous “IE&D” strategy.

“By emphasizing inclusion-first, we aim to address the current shortcoming of DE&I programs, which have led to societal backlash and increasing polarization,” it announced on LinkedIn. It said it remained committed to advancing equity under its “inclusion” strategy.

SHRM’s move is a ...