Organizational Inequality in an Era of DEI Resistance

Session Submission Type: Invited Session (90 minute)

Description

Despite decades of efforts to expand fairness and opportunity, inequities tied to race, gender, class, and other social positions remain deeply embedded in organizational structures and practices. At the same time, political and cultural debates have fueled resistance to DEI policies, raising pressing questions about the future of equity work. This panel brings together scholars whose work examines systemic inequities in organizations and the growing backlash against diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. It features a moderated conversation among panelists, who will share insights from their research and reflect on how inequities are reproduced across industries, as well as how organizations are navigating both the promise and the challenges of equity initiatives amid DEI retrenchment. While New York City offers a particularly important context for understanding these dynamics, the discussion will also highlight national patterns and implications across regions and industries. Through an interactive dialogue, panelists will explore the persistence of inequities, organizational responses, and strategies for sustaining equity-focused efforts in a political moment of heightened resistance.

Sub Unit

• Regional Spotlight Session

Presider

• Tsedale M Melaku, Zicklin School of Business, Baruch College, CUNY

Panelists

• Angie Beeman, CUNY-Baruch College

• James T Carter, Cornell University

• Yung-Yi Diana Pan, CUNY-Brooklyn College

• McKenzie Preston, New York University

• Sandra Portocarrero, London School of Economics

Session Organizer

• Tsedale M Melaku, Zicklin School of Business, Baruch College, CUNY