Understanding the Political Backlash Against Diversity

HEC Paris professors Matteo Winkler and Marcelle Laliberté analyze the Trump administration’s attack on DEI programs in the U.S. and its global repercussions for human rights, business, and democracy.

47 minutes
Transcript
Matteo Winkler HEC Professor
Prof. Matteo Winkler
Associate Professor - Tax and Law
Marcelle LALIBERTE, HEC chief diversity officer
Marcelle Laliberté
HEC Paris Chief DEI Officer
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Key findings
  • Executive orders labeling DEI as “discriminatory” mark a radical reversal in equality policy.
  • Language is being weaponized — erasing words like “gender” or “transgender” undermines legal protection and public awareness.
  • Corporations comply out of fear and confusion, even when not legally bound, revealing the power of political pressure.
  • The researchers warn that rolling back DEI threatens the democratic fabric of both American and European societies.

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Matteo Winkler HEC Professor
Meet the Author
Prof. Matteo Winkler
Associate Professor - Tax and Law

Matteo Winkler’s research interests span from public international law to conflict of laws, including dispute resolution, trade law, Internet law and family law. He focused, through a significant number of publications, on international human rights, LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) issues...

Marcelle LALIBERTE, HEC chief diversity officer
Meet the Author
Marcelle Laliberté
HEC Paris Chief DEI Officer

As a Chief DEI Officer, AI & Education Researcher, and thought leader, I focus on embedding equity into technology, policy, and education. My work spans AI governance, gender equity in STEM, and institutional transformation, ensuring innovation is inclusive, ethical, and globally impactful.
 

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