Barbara Hoey on the State of DEI and How Companies Can Move Forward (VIDEO PODCAST)

In a recent episode of MediaVillage’s Office Hours, Kelley Drye partner, Barbara Hoey discusses the evolving landscape of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in the media and entertainment sectors. As companies strive to create more welcoming environments for individuals of diverse races and cultures, recent legal challenges have put these efforts at risk.

Barbara addresses the implications of the Supreme Court’s ruling in favor of Students for Fair Admissions (SFFA), which claimed that Harvard discriminated against Asian applicants in favor of Black applicants. This decision has sparked a wave of legal actions by conservative groups targeting DEI programs across various sectors, including law firms and nonprofits.

Drawing from her own experiences, Hoey emphasizes that companies are not abandoning DEI efforts; rather, they are adapting their strategies to mitigate legal risks while still prioritizing workforce diversification. ​“We recognize the value of having more women and people of color in management roles,” she states, highlighting the importance of representation for entry-level employees.

She also shares insights on how to modify DEI programs to avoid potential lawsuits while continuing to promote diversity within organizations.