In the wake of the Trump administration’s announcement to curb diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices, Susan Scafidi, founder and director of Fordham Law’s Fashion Law Institute, predicted to Women’s Wear Daily that a retail industry-wide evolution in DEI language will likely happen.
Susan Scafidi, founder and director at the Fashion Law Institute at Fordham Law School, said Trump seems to be looking to make examples of some larger organizations and assuming the smaller ones will fall in line.
“DEI in its current form may die, but…we’re likely to see an evolution in language and form,” Scafidi said. “Employers can define ‘merit, aptitude, hard work and determination’ — the language of the executive order — in many ways. In the case of the fashion industry, the steps we’ve already taken toward creating a diverse workforce and appealing to a range of consumers may be self-reinforcing.
“Some specific programs, such as internships focused on minority groups or preferences for minority- or women-owned businesses, will likely have to be redefined,” she said.