Boeing has decided to dismantle its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) department. This move comes as the company faces some tough challenges and begins a major restructuring. Sara Lian Bowen, the vice president who was in charge of the DEI department, has also resigned. This news was first reported by Bloomberg.
But what does DEI mean? These initiatives are all about making sure that people from all races, genders, and abilities have equal opportunities. Boeing had promised to hire more employees from minority groups and aimed to boost Black employment by 20% by the year 2025. However, with the recent changes, it seems that those plans are now in question.
Historically, Boeing’s workforce has been mostly white and male, which has drawn criticism in the past. As companies across the U.S. are scrutinized for their diversity hiring practices, Boeing’s decision to dissolve its DEI team has caught the attention of many. Critics of these programs argue that they often discriminate against white men in hiring.
Robby Starbuck, an anti-DEI activist, has been vocal about his campaign against diversity initiatives in big companies like Toyota and Harley-Davidson. He even reached out to Boeing’s new CEO, Kelly Ortberg, warning her that he might start an online campaign against Boeing’s diversity efforts.
Despite the shake-up, Boeing has assured the public that it is still committed to creating an inclusive environment. They stress that they will continue to prohibit discriminatory hiring practices, focusing instead on a system that ensures equal opportunity for everyone, even if that doesn’t guarantee equal outcomes.
The restructuring at Boeing is part of a broader effort to address significant financial losses the company has been facing. Over the past few years, Boeing has dealt with serious issues, including safety concerns and investigations related to flaws in its aircraft. The company is also dealing with a long-running worker strike due to disagreements over wages.
As part of this restructuring, Boeing plans to reduce its workforce by about 10%, which translates to around 17,000 jobs. In a memo to employees, Ortberg acknowledged the tough situation the company is in. “Restoring our company requires tough decisions,” she wrote, emphasizing the need for structural changes to keep Boeing competitive and capable of delivering for customers in the long run.
Boeing’s bold moves have many wondering: is this a step backward for diversity efforts, or a necessary action for the company’s survival? Only time will tell how this decision will affect the future of Boeing and its commitment to inclusivity.
