Continued Considerations for Corporations on the DEI Battlefield

March 17, 2026  |  The Insider: White Collar Defense and Securities Enforcement

Corporate America is navigating increasing pressure as shifting federal priorities on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) collide with state regulation, litigation, and consumer expectations. In her latest Forbes Insider article, Karen King examines recent developments on the DEI battlefield —including a settlement between Verizon and California regulators, scrutiny of major media and telecom mergers, pressure from advocates and consumers, and lawsuits challenging both corporate DEI programs and state actions dismantling diversity initiatives. These developments illustrate the growing complexity companies face as they respond to competing regulatory demands and public pressures. As Karen explains, businesses that wish to protect their operations and bottom line must move beyond reactionary approaches and instead focus on core values, stable governance, and long-term fundamentals.

Continued Considerations for Corporations on the DEI Battlefield