Recent departures of high-ranking Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) executives from major entertainment companies have sparked debate about the future of these initiatives in Hollywood. Between late June and early July, at least five DEI leaders left their positions, raising questions about the effectiveness and sustainability of such programs.

Disney's Chief Diversity Officer, Latondra Newton, stepped down after six years, with the company actively seeking a replacement. During her tenure, Disney Parks moved towards more inclusive language, shifting away from traditional greetings and altering job titles to be more gender-neutral. Netflix's Inclusion Strategy Chief, Vernā Myers, also announced her departure after five years, transitioning to an advisory role. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences saw the exit of Janelle English, Executive VP of Impact and Inclusion, after just a year in the role.

Warner Bros. Discovery laid off its Senior Vice President of DEI, Karen Horne, citing company reorganization. The BBC's Creative Diversity Chief, Joanna Abeyie, also left her post after less than two years. The fact that many of these departing executives are Black women has fueled online discussions and commentary.

Critics of DEI programs, like Seneca Scott of Neighbors Together Oakland, argue that these roles are often performative and fail to address underlying issues of mentorship and opportunity. Similar sentiments were echoed by Kim Crayton, the "Antiracist Economist," who cautions against the expendable nature of many DEI positions. Jennifer Baker, host of the Minorities in Publishing podcast, highlighted the lack of clear inclusion plans and investment as contributing factors to the perceived obsolescence of these roles.

Some commentators see these departures as a sign of DEI's failure, suggesting these programs have become internal burdens for companies facing declining sales. Others believe the trend reflects a broader shift away from the emphasis on diversity and inclusion that followed George Floyd's murder, with companies potentially scaling back their commitment to these initiatives. The scrutiny of DEI extends beyond Hollywood, with the Environmental Social Governance (ESG) movement in corporate America also facing significant backlash.