JPMorgan Anticipates Criticism of Its DEI Policy

JPMorgan Chase, as stated in its recent regulatory filing on Feb 14, anticipates criticism regarding its business practices, notably in areas of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).

The filing acknowledges that the bank "has been and expects that it will continue to be criticized by activists, politicians, and the public regarding business practices or stances taken on public policy matters, such as diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives."

In a deviation from the previous year's filing that mentioned DEI six times, the bank's latest annual report emphasizes DEI only once.

Large corporations, under mounting pressure from conservative groups, face demands to scale back DEI initiatives aimed at enhancing racial and ethnic representation in the workforce.

Notably, Goldman Sachs recently announced a DEI commitment linked to its investment bank's initial public offerings, while companies like Apple and Meta Platforms have either revised or contemplated changes to their DEI strategies in response to President Donald Trump's executive order targeting such programs at both federal and private sectors.