Boeing has dismantled its global diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) department, reallocating its staff to a human resources team focused on talent and employee experience. This restructuring, led by new CEO Kelly Ortberg, comes as part of a comprehensive overhaul aimed at realigning Boeing’s priorities following financial pressures and criticisms of DEI’s role within the company.
The decision follows notable backlash from figures like Elon Musk, who argued that Boeing had been prioritizing DEI over critical safety and quality controls after a serious incident involving an Alaska Airlines flight. Musk’s criticism amplified broader debates on DEI’s place in high-stakes industries, where safety concerns are paramount.
Boeing is not alone in scaling back DEI initiatives. Other major corporations have responded similarly amid conservative pushback on DEI policies. Boeing’s restructuring effort also addresses financial strain, as the company navigates the impact of a six-week factory strike and plans to reduce its workforce by 17,000 positions, about 10% of its global staff.
DEI is bad business. It endangers lives.
All institutions should scrap it. pic.twitter.com/F0ANw8YLrU
— Rothmus 🏴 (@Rothmus) November 2, 2024
Sources:
Views: 105