A new AP-NORC poll finds that skepticism toward diversity, equity and inclusion programs is rising sharply as fewer Americans, especially white adults, believe significant discrimination exists against Black and Asian people.
The nationwide poll of 1,437 adults conducted in July shows that the most pronounced drops in concern about racial bias and support for DEI are among white respondents, even as Black and Asian adults remain far more likely to perceive discrimination in their own communities.
Perceptions fall unevenly by race
The poll found 45% of adults now believe Black people face “a great deal” or “quite a bit” of discrimination, down from 60% in 2021. For Asian Americans, the share dropped to 32% from 45% three years ago. Black respondents remain the most likely to see systemic bias, with 74% saying their community faces significant discrimination.
Only 39% of white respondents and about 30% of Asian respondents perceive high levels of discrimination against their own groups. The sharpest decline in concern came from white adults, with many saying that too much attention is paid to racial issues.
Declining support for DEI
Just four in 10 Americans now say DEI programs help reduce discrimination against Black people, and only about one-third believe DEI is helpful for Asian, Hispanic or women communities. Nearly 30% say DEI may actually increase discrimination. Among white respondents, 39% say DEI increases discrimination against white people. Only about a third of Asian respondents believe DEI benefits their own group, and many (39%) remain doubtful about its impact.
The drop in support comes as real-world DEI programs face heightened scrutiny. In March, the University of Florida eliminated its DEI office and reassigned or laid off over a dozen staff after the state enacted new restrictions. Several large companies including CVS Health and Meta have scaled back DEI-focused recruitment and training efforts in recent months.
Policy changes
In recent months, the Trump administration has issued directives dismantling DEI policies in federal workplaces and schools. Republican-led states including Florida, Ohio and Virginia have passed laws banning DEI offices and training in public institutions.
Civil rights groups have responded with legal challenges. In February, a coalition led by Asian Americans Advancing Justice (AAJC) filed a federal lawsuit arguing President Trump’s executive orders against DEI are unconstitutional and threaten years of progress. Other organizations, including the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), have filed lawsuits challenging similar changes, arguing they violate federal law and threaten equal opportunity.
This story is part of The Rebel Yellow Newsletter — a bold weekly newsletter from the creators of NextShark, reclaiming our stories and celebrating Asian American voices.
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