Study Finds DEI Programs May Heighten Hostility and Bias

Overview

• A study by the Network Contagion Research Institute and Rutgers University found that exposure to certain DEI materials increased hostile attribution bias among participants.
• Participants exposed to DEI content were more likely to perceive discrimination and support punitive actions in neutral scenarios compared to a control group.
• The study highlighted the potential for DEI training to amplify intergroup hostility and authoritarian tendencies rather than reducing bias.
• Findings showed that DEI materials on race, religion, and caste led to heightened suspicion and agreement with extreme rhetoric, including modified statements from Adolf Hitler.
• The study's coverage by major outlets like The New York Times and Bloomberg was reportedly dropped due to editorial decisions, sparking questions about media handling of controversial research.