In recent months, corporate giants have been scaling back their commitments to belonging, diversity, equity, and inclusion (BDEI). For those of us who champion inclusive leadership and workplace cultures of belonging, these decisions are not just disappointing — they’re a warning sign.
When industry leaders pull back on BDEI, it sends a troubling message: that social justice is expendable, a “nice-to-have” during good times but dispensable when challenges arise. It’s a message that undermines years of progress and gives smaller organizations permission to follow suit. But here’s the truth: BDEI is not a luxury. It’s a leadership responsibility—and now is the time for inclusive leaders to step up.
Crisis reveals performative actions
Meta announced its decision to roll back its BDEI initiatives just this past weekend, as reported by The Washington Post (Washington Post, 2025). This move underscores the growing trend of deprioritizing inclusivity in corporate agendas, a trend also highlighted by NBC News as an anti-BDEI effort gaining traction among states, companies, and universities (NBC News, 2025). The Guardian also notes how political influences, such as Trump-era rhetoric, have emboldened efforts to dismantle BDEI frameworks across sectors (The Guardian, 2025).
"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy."
These political pressures reflect a broader crisis in leadership, where national rhetoric influences corporate priorities and undermines inclusivity. This moment demands courage from inclusive leaders to resist these trends and champion equity and belonging despite external challenges. The rollback of BDEI by some companies also reveals how performative their commitments may have been—driven more by societal expectations than a genuine integration into their values and strategies. Shrinking DEI initiatives in response to political pressures underscores a lack of authenticity in leadership and a failure to prioritize long-term cultural and organizational benefits over short-term convenience.
As AP News highlights, McDonald’s and Meta’s recent moves mirror a larger push against BDEI, driven by both political and financial pressures (AP News, 2025). Crisis defines the real character of individuals—and organizations are no exception. When BDEI is deprioritized at this scale, it risks framing inclusivity as a trend rather than a necessity. It threatens to undo progress, sending a signal to marginalized communities that their voices, experiences, and well-being are secondary to cost-cutting or the pursuit of profits. As these companies shrink their commitments, the question becomes: Will inclusive leaders rise to fill the gap?
Inclusive leadership is key
One of the greatest misconceptions about BDEI is that it’s a “nice-to-have,” a feel-good initiative that can be shelved when times are tough. But the reality is this: DEI is a strategic imperative. Companies that prioritize BDEI consistently outperform their peers in innovation, employee engagement, and customer loyalty. Beyond the business case, DEI is a moral imperative—it’s about addressing systemic inequities and creating environments where everyone has a fair shot at success.
Inclusive leadership is the key to making BDEI stick. It’s about creating cultures of belonging that don’t just survive but thrive in the face of adversity. When others step back, inclusive leaders step forward, because they understand that leadership is not about following the trend—it’s about doing what’s right.
Real inclusive leaders hold the line
The rollback of BDEI commitments is an opportunity for leaders at all levels to reflect on what social justice truly means. It’s not about performative gestures or surface-level initiatives. It’s about building organizations where diverse perspectives are valued, equity is prioritized, and inclusion is woven into the fabric of the company.
Inclusive leadership requires courage—especially now. It means:
Advocating for DEI when it’s unpopular or perceived as unnecessary.
Embedding DEI into long-term strategies, not treating it as a side project.
Holding yourself and your organization accountable for progress, even when it’s slow or messy.
Costco provides a shining example of resilience in the face of the anti-BDEI movement. As reported by Sustainability Magazine (Sustainability Magazine, 2025), Costco has remained resolute in its commitment to DEI, demonstrating that prioritizing inclusivity is not only feasible but vital for long-term success.
Similarly, the World Economic Forum highlights organizations with impactful BDEI initiatives, emphasizing that companies who integrate BDEI into their core strategies are better positioned to adapt, innovate, and thrive in today’s rapidly changing world (World Economic Forum, 2025). Adding to the good news, Apple has reaffirmed its commitment to BDEI despite the current climate. As reported by Yahoo News, Apple’s leadership emphasizes the company’s long-standing belief that diversity and inclusion are essential to innovation and success (Yahoo News, 2025).
The power of small giants
While the actions of tech giants and household names can shape the conversation, they don’t have to define it. Mid-sized organizations, small businesses, and individual leaders have the power to step into the void and set an example. These “small giants” can model what it looks like to lead with integrity and inclusion.
By staying the course on BDEI, these organizations demonstrate that inclusivity is not contingent on trends or financial forecasts—it’s a reflection of values and vision. They remind us all that true leadership is about creating a better future, not just maintaining the status quo.
In other words
Now is not the time for complacency. As the giants shrink, inclusive leaders have a choice to make: to follow their lead or to stand firm in the belief that diversity, equity, and inclusion are non-negotiable. The world needs leaders who are brave enough to stay the course, even when the tide turns.
So ask yourself: How can I, as a leader, champion BDEI in my sphere of influence? How can I ensure that my commitment to inclusivity remains unwavering, regardless of what others do?
Because when giants shrink, it’s up to the rest of us to grow.
References
AP News. (2025). Meta and McDonald’s reflect broader push against DEI.
Bloomberg. (2025). Amazon halts some of its diversity and inclusion programs.
Forbes. (2025). McDonald’s joins the stampede of corporations retreating from DEI.
NBC News. (2025). Anti-DEI efforts gaining traction in states, companies, and universities.
Sustainability Magazine. (2025). Costco stands resolute against the anti-DEI movement.
The Guardian. (2025). Political influences embolden anti-DEI efforts.
Washington Post. (2025). Meta announces rollback of DEI initiatives.
World Economic Forum. (2025). Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Lighthouses 2025.
Yahoo News. (2025). Apple stands by its DEI commitment while others retreat.
