DEI Programs are Facing Growing Legal Scrutiny.
DCI is here to help.
DEI Risk Assessment
There is a spotlight on employer diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices and commitments made in response to social and racial justice activism in recent years. Additionally, the national exposure from the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) ruling on affirmative action in higher education admissions in the case involving Harvard College and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has added to this workplace issue. Although the decision in this case does not change Title VII mandates on employer selection practices, it has created interest from the public, investors, leadership, and employees. Ensuring that DEI programs are legally compliant has never been more important.
Many organizations are turning to outside experts to review their DEI programs to apprise the C-Suite and Board of Directors regarding potential legal exposure. DCI Consulting, in tandem with our legal partners, offers a four-step DEI Risk Assessment to help.
This proactive, comprehensive, and attorney-client privileged assessment is a crucial first step to identifying and mitigating potential legal risk.
Four-Step DEI Risk Assessment
1. Self-Evaluation of DEI Programs & Commitments
An initial assessment of the organization’s diversity, equity and inclusion programs and commitments. This will be yes/no format with instructions on specific samples of proof for review.
2. Listening Sessions with Executives & Leaders
To understand the organization’s vision and the objectives of leaders , DCI will engage in three one-hour moderated focus group sessions to gather key information, including perceptions, expectations, and attitudes.
3. Legal Review & Risk Assessment of Policies, Procedures and Practices
Specific areas that are reviewed include: whether DEI commitments and goals are subject to challenge as unlawful quotas; if the development and outreach efforts targeting specific EEO groups are lawful; and, whether practices to ensure diversity pass legal muster. A level indicator, on a sliding scale of risk, will be included in the scorecard.
4. Scorecard & Best Practice Recommendations
A one-page summary that provides a synopsis of the audit, the findings, and the best practice recommendations.
