The Role of Ethical Leadership in an Anti-DEI Narrative
Ethical leadership is defined as the demonstration of normatively appropriate conduct through personal actions and interpersonal relationships, and the promotion of such conduct to followers through two-way communication, reinforcement, and decision-making. (Brown et al., 2005, p. 120).
Agrawal and Khandelwal (2019) further explains,
“An ethical leader is one who strongly believes in following the right set of values and ideals in their decisions, actions and behavior. One has to be honest with high integrity, with people orientation and communicates assertively. Among the other attributes of an ethical leader, one needs to be responsible for taking unbiased decisions in benefit and overall interest of people and organization. This ethical leadership plays a vital role in developing positive outcomes such as followers’ organizational commitment and organizational identification. Trust in leadership can moderate this relationship.”
The business case for diversity in executive teams remain strong and offered by Dixon-Fyle et al., (2020).
Recent developments indicate a significant rise in the anti-Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion movement across the United States, marked by legislative actions, corporate responses, and grassroots campaigns. In January of 2025, President of the United States issued an executive order terminating DEI programs within federal agencies, labeling them as illegal and immoral discrimination programs (The White House, 2025). This federal stance has been mirrored at the state level, with over 30 bills introduced targeting DEI initiatives in public colleges (Exec. Order No. 14151, 2025). These legislative efforts aim to restrict or eliminate DEI funding, practices, and promotions within educational institutions.
The anti-DEI sentiment has influenced corporate policies, with several major companies scaling back their DEI programs. Notably, Apple shareholders recently rejected a proposal to discontinue the company's DEI efforts, contrasting with other corporations that have reduced such initiatives (Murray and Bohannon, 2025).
Call to Action
Grassroots movements have emerged in response to both the promotion and opposition of DEI initiatives. Organizations like The People's Union USA have called for "Economic Blackout Days," scheduled for February 28, 2025, urging consumers to halt spending at major chains to challenge an openly racist attack against the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion. A no-spend day urges all US consumers to cease shopping online or in store at major chains, fast food restaurants and gas stations. If spending must be done, it should be with small, locally owned businesses.
Future no-spend days targeting specific companies like Walmart and Nestlé are also scheduled, as well as a follow-up on 28 March. “If we disrupt the economy for just one day, it sends a powerful message,” the website reads. “If they don’t listen (they won’t), we make the next blackout longer (we will) (Milnes, 2025).”
Learn what companies are standing up for equality and standing down toward justice. The Associated, published an article Which US companies are pulling back on diversity initiatives? listing which companies have either cut back or completely stopped DEI programs. I encourage each reader to view this list and join us in slowing down the injustice of overt White supremacy and systemic racism as it is overtly alive and robust.
In the face of rising opposition to DEI, ethical leaders must take decisive action to uphold inclusivity, integrity, and fairness in their organizations and communities. Here’s how you can contribute:
Speak Out & Educate – Use your platform to challenge misinformation about DEI and reinforce its benefits in business, education, and society. Host discussions, write op-eds, and engage in meaningful conversations.
Lead by Example – Incorporate ethical decision-making in hiring, promotion, and workplace policies to demonstrate an unwavering commitment to equity and fairness.
Support Pro-DEI Organizations – Align with and amplify grassroots movements, like The People’s Union USA, that are mobilizing efforts such as Economic Blackout Days February 28, 2025, to push back against anti-DEI policies.
Hold Corporations & Leaders Accountable – Advocate for transparency in corporate DEI commitments. Consumers and employees can demand accountability by supporting businesses that prioritize ethical leadership and inclusivity.
Strengthen Networks for Change – Build coalitions with fellow leaders, businesses, and advocacy groups to push for policy changes that protect and expand DEI efforts in both the public and private sectors.
Corporate leaders and grassroots activists alike must unite to push back against the anti-DEI movement. Ethical leadership is about standing firm, even when it’s difficult. Will you use your influence, resources, and voice to drive change?
References:
Apple, (N.d.). We belong together. https://www.apple.com/diversity/
Brown, M. E., Treviño, L. K., & Harrison, D. A. (2005). Ethical leadership: A social learning perspective for construct development and testing. Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, 97(2), 117–134. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.obhdp.2005.03.002
Executive Order No. 14151. https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/ending-radical-and-wasteful-government-dei-programs-and-preferencing/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Dixon-Fyle, S, and Dolan, K., Vivian, D. and Prince, S. ( 2020). McKinsey & Company. https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/diversity-and-inclusion/diversity-wins-how-inclusion-matters
Milnes, H. (2025). Is a consumer boycott brewing in the US, https://www.voguebusiness.com/story/companies/is-a-consumer-boycott-brewing-in-the-us?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Murray, C. and Bohannon, M. (2025). Apple shareholders reject ban on diversity initiatives – here are all the companies cutting dei programs. https://www.forbes.com/sites/conormurray/2025/02/25/apple-shareholders-reject-ban-on-diversity-initiatives-here-are-all-the-companies-cutting-dei-programs/
