Study Finds DEI Programs May Heighten Hostility and Bias

Research reveals that diversity training can foster perceptions of prejudice and punitive behavior even without evidence of discrimination.

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.