Fortune 500 Companies See 65% Decline in DEI Index Participation: New Study Insights
Sen. Eric Schmitt, R-Mo., discusses Iran’s persistent nuclear ambitions and an upcoming Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).
Recent research reveals a significant decline in the number of Fortune 500 companies publicly outlining their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) commitments. The Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s latest Corporate Equality Index indicates a staggering 65% drop in companies voluntarily submitting their DEI policies for evaluation.
This year, only 131 companies participated in the Corporate Equality Index (CEI), a sharp decrease from 377 in 2025. Notably, many of the companies that opted out are federal contractors, raising questions about the implications of federal policies on corporate practices.
Robby Starbuck, host of “The Robby Starbuck Show” and a visiting fellow for capital markets at the Heritage Foundation, commented on this trend, stating, “What we’re witnessing is the collapse of a corporate social credit system.” He emphasized that the HRC’s CEI system had transformed boardrooms into political compliance offices, where companies felt pressured to demonstrate ideological loyalty rather than focusing on their core business and stakeholders.
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The number of Fortune 500 companies participating in HRC’s Corporate Equality Index fell by nearly two-thirds from last year. (Getty Images)
Starbuck, a prominent activist against corporate DEI policies, noted that the decline in participation reflects a disconnect between these policies and the views of average Americans. He pointed out that corporate leaders are becoming increasingly aware of the risks posed by DEI controversies, especially when stock prices are affected.
“While I bask in this victory over a truly despicable, evil ideology, I still have 35% left to eliminate and mark my words, I will,” he asserted. “It turns out supporting sex changes for kids, racism against Whites via DEI, and struggle sessions at work aren’t that popular in the real world!”
CHRISTIAN INVESTORS WITH $4B+ LAUNCH CAMPAIGN TO STRIP ‘WOKE’ AGENDAS FROM MAJOR CORPORATIONS
Conservative activist Robby Starbuck has been an outspoken opponent of corporate DEI policies. (Bess Adler/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
In a related move, last year, President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at “ending illegal DEI discrimination and preferences.” This directive encouraged federal agencies to take action against private sector companies that engage in illicit DEI practices through regulatory measures, investigations, and litigation.
Kelley Robinson, president of the HRC, acknowledged that while discrimination against LGBTQ+ workers remains illegal, the report highlights unprecedented pressure from the federal government. This pressure has included rolling back protections and threatening investigations related to diversity and inclusion initiatives.
“It’s in this context that some companies have pulled back from this work,” she noted.
NEW ‘ANTI-DEI’ INDEX FUND LAUNCHES TO ONLY INVEST IN COMPANIES THAT HIRE BASED ON MERIT
Activists have encouraged companies to engage on political issues in addition to adopting internal DEI policies. (Alisha Jucevic/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
The HRC’s report also highlighted that among companies that disclosed DEI policies and practices through the CEI in 2025 and 2026, the implementation of these policies remained consistent or even increased, with no noticeable decline.
“Companies that communicate clearly and lead with transparency earn trust, retain talent, and strengthen their business,” Robinson stated. “They are overwhelmingly supported by shareholders who have rejected anti-DEI measures by nearly unanimous votes.”
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“At a moment when fear and confusion are growing, providing clarity and confidence isn’t just good leadership – it’s essential.”
Sen. Eric Schmitt, R-Mo., discusses Iran’s persistent nuclear ambitions and an upcoming Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).
Recent research reveals a significant decline in the number of Fortune 500 companies publicly outlining their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) commitments. The Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s latest Corporate Equality Index indicates a staggering 65% drop in companies voluntarily submitting their DEI policies for evaluation.
This year, only 131 companies participated in the Corporate Equality Index (CEI), a sharp decrease from 377 in 2025. Notably, many of the companies that opted out are federal contractors, raising questions about the implications of federal policies on corporate practices.
Robby Starbuck, host of “The Robby Starbuck Show” and a visiting fellow for capital markets at the Heritage Foundation, commented on this trend, stating, “What we’re witnessing is the collapse of a corporate social credit system.” He emphasized that the HRC’s CEI system had transformed boardrooms into political compliance offices, where companies felt pressured to demonstrate ideological loyalty rather than focusing on their core business and stakeholders.
NIKE’S DIVERSITY INITIATIVES UNDER EEOC SCRUTINY FOR ALLEGED DISCRIMINATION AGAINST WHITE WORKERS
The number of Fortune 500 companies participating in HRC’s Corporate Equality Index fell by nearly two-thirds from last year. (Getty Images)
Starbuck, a prominent activist against corporate DEI policies, noted that the decline in participation reflects a disconnect between these policies and the views of average Americans. He pointed out that corporate leaders are becoming increasingly aware of the risks posed by DEI controversies, especially when stock prices are affected.
“While I bask in this victory over a truly despicable, evil ideology, I still have 35% left to eliminate and mark my words, I will,” he asserted. “It turns out supporting sex changes for kids, racism against Whites via DEI, and struggle sessions at work aren’t that popular in the real world!”
CHRISTIAN INVESTORS WITH $4B+ LAUNCH CAMPAIGN TO STRIP ‘WOKE’ AGENDAS FROM MAJOR CORPORATIONS
Conservative activist Robby Starbuck has been an outspoken opponent of corporate DEI policies. (Bess Adler/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
In a related move, last year, President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at “ending illegal DEI discrimination and preferences.” This directive encouraged federal agencies to take action against private sector companies that engage in illicit DEI practices through regulatory measures, investigations, and litigation.
Kelley Robinson, president of the HRC, acknowledged that while discrimination against LGBTQ+ workers remains illegal, the report highlights unprecedented pressure from the federal government. This pressure has included rolling back protections and threatening investigations related to diversity and inclusion initiatives.
“It’s in this context that some companies have pulled back from this work,” she noted.
NEW ‘ANTI-DEI’ INDEX FUND LAUNCHES TO ONLY INVEST IN COMPANIES THAT HIRE BASED ON MERIT
Activists have encouraged companies to engage on political issues in addition to adopting internal DEI policies. (Alisha Jucevic/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
The HRC’s report also highlighted that among companies that disclosed DEI policies and practices through the CEI in 2025 and 2026, the implementation of these policies remained consistent or even increased, with no noticeable decline.
“Companies that communicate clearly and lead with transparency earn trust, retain talent, and strengthen their business,” Robinson stated. “They are overwhelmingly supported by shareholders who have rejected anti-DEI measures by nearly unanimous votes.”
GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE
“At a moment when fear and confusion are growing, providing clarity and confidence isn’t just good leadership – it’s essential.”
