Leading HR professionals and discrimination lawyers will examine the HR and legal issues in tense political contexts which lead to increasing incidents of racism, xenophobia and intolerance. Csaba Kőrösi, President of the United Nations General Assembly, says that racism adapts and mutates to different times and contexts; but the breadth of its harm remains intact, with online racism taking on new and covert forms and algorithms perpetuating racial stereotypes.  

This is particularly topical in light of the US Supreme Court’s decision in June 2023 which declared affirmative action policies in college and university admissions unconstitutional. There has also been an increased number of court cases in the US recently where it has been claimed that diversity, equality and inclusion (DEI) initiatives constitute reverse discrimination, or that they contribute to a presumption of discrimination, in the context of decisions on recruitment, promotion and dismissal. These cases and decisions may have significant implications for diversity and inclusion (D&I) programmes in the workplace both within the US and abroad.

This session looks at the role employers must take in implementing effective D&I policies and eliminating all forms of discrimination.