A new AP-NORC poll has revealed a surprising shift in public perception surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, with a growing number of black and Hispanic Americans expressing concern that such initiatives may actually be increasing discrimination against minorities.
The poll, conducted from July 10–14 and surveying 1,437 U.S. adults, found that fewer than half of Americans believe DEI programs benefit the communities they are designed to support. Perhaps more notably, about four in ten Black respondents and one-third of Hispanic respondents said they believe DEI efforts increase discrimination against them—a higher rate than among white respondents, only about one-quarter of whom said the same.
The findings come amid a broader national retreat from DEI efforts. While the Biden-Harris administration had significantly expanded DEI initiatives—spending millions and embedding new requirements across government agencies and institutions—many of these policies are now being rolled back under the Trump administration. Universities and major corporations have followed suit, reassessing or downsizing their own DEI commitments in recent months.
Divided Views on Impact
According to PBS, which reported on the poll’s findings, there was a notable ideological split among white respondents. Democrats were more likely to view DEI positively, with many believing it reduces discrimination against minority groups. Only about a quarter of white independents and Republicans shared that view.
The perception of DEI’s effectiveness remains mixed across all demographics:
- 40% of adults said DEI reduces discrimination against black Americans
- One-third said the same for Hispanics, Asians, and women
- Roughly one-quarter of all respondents said DEI increases discrimination against those groups
- Between 33% and 41% said DEI “doesn’t make a difference” either way
The findings suggest a growing disillusionment with DEI, even among the communities it was meant to support. Critics argue that DEI has become more symbolic than effective, often focused on bureaucracy or public image rather than tangible outcomes.
Perceptions of Discrimination on the Decline
The poll also showed a decline in perceived racial discrimination among Americans in general. Only 45% of respondents said Black Americans face “high levels of discrimination,” a sharp drop from 60% in 2021. Similarly, the belief that Asians face high levels of discrimination dropped from 45% in 2021 to just 32% in the most recent survey.
These changing views may be shaped by a combination of DEI fatigue, political polarization, and broader cultural pushback against identity-based policies—particularly among independents and conservatives who argue such programs can be divisive or counterproductive.
A Complex Road Ahead
The data reflects a nuanced national debate: while DEI was introduced to address supposed systemic barriers, many now question its practical effectiveness and even its unintended consequences.
As the Trump administration continues to dismantle federal DEI infrastructure and more institutions reconsider their strategies, the poll suggests that Americans—across race, party, and ideology—are growing more skeptical of whether these efforts truly foster fairness or, paradoxically, deepen the divisions they aim to resolve.
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