HBCU ORIGINAL
Are Companies Backing Away From DEI? What It Means for HBCU Students and Alumni
Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives are an integral part of many corporate spaces—but things are changing. Over the past few years, DEI has been embraced by companies looking to create a workforce that reflects the communities they serve. Now, though, some businesses are scaling back, leaving many of us in HBCU communities wondering what this means for our opportunities and progress.
Let’s break it down:
Why the Retreat on DEI?
A mix of political pressures, legal challenges, and shareholder concerns have driven some of the biggest names in corporate America to rethink their DEI commitments. Companies that once stood boldly behind inclusive hiring, employee resource groups (ERGs), and supplier diversity initiatives are now scaling back—or rebranding those efforts.
For instance:
- Terms like “equity” are being swapped for “belonging” or “diversity of thought.”
- High-profile organizations like Amazon and Boeing have cut back or outright dismantled their DEI teams.
For HBCU students and alumni, who are often a focus of these programs, this shift raises questions about representation and access to opportunity in industries that have traditionally been less inclusive.
Companies Scaling Back
Here’s a quick look at some major companies making significant changes:
- Amazon: Ended certain DEI programs, calling them outdated.
- Boeing: Closed its global DEI department entirely in 2023.
- Meta: Cut DEI hiring programs and scaled back supplier diversity.
- Target: Completed its three-year DEI goals but pulled back on external diversity surveys.
These shifts don’t just impact employees already working in these companies—they can also make internships, partnerships, and recruitment opportunities harder to come by for HBCU students.
Who’s Still Standing Firm?
Not every company is stepping away from DEI. In fact, some are doubling down, emphasizing how diversity is not only right but also a smart business move.
- Apple: Encouraged shareholders to reject anti-DEI proposals and reaffirmed its commitment to creating a diverse workforce.
- Delta Air Lines: Called DEI a critical part of its business success during a recent earnings call.
- Salesforce: CEO Marc Benioff stood firm, stating that diverse perspectives drive better business outcomes.
- Cisco: CEO Chuck Robbins said that a diverse team delivers measurable success.
These companies are leading by example, showing how DEI creates spaces where everyone can thrive—including HBCU alumni and students.
What’s the Impact on HBCUs?
For HBCUs, corporate DEI programs have long been an important bridge, connecting students to internships, scholarships, and post-grad careers. As these programs diminish, HBCU graduates could face additional challenges breaking into certain industries or ascending the corporate ladder.
But there’s good news: the value of an HBCU education doesn’t hinge on corporate trends. As students and alumni, we carry the legacy of resilience, excellence, and community that no DEI initiative can erase.
How Can You Stay Ready?
Even as DEI landscapes shift, here are ways you can stay ahead:
- Build Your Network: Leverage HBCU alumni associations, LinkedIn groups, and other professional networks to create connections in your field.
- Be Informed: Keep up with companies actively recruiting HBCU students or maintaining DEI efforts.
- Own Your Value: Highlight the unique skills and perspectives you bring to the table as an HBCU graduate.
Final Thoughts
Change can be unsettling, but it’s important to remember: while companies may scale back DEI, they can’t take away the impact HBCU students and alumni have made—and will continue to make. Whether it’s in boardrooms, classrooms, or on Capitol Hill, the legacy of HBCUs is unstoppable.
Keep pushing. Keep networking. Keep building. Because no matter how corporate trends shift, our community remains strong and thriving.
What’s your take on these changes? Let’s talk in the comments!
DAYTON, Ohio — Prairie View A&M University secured a historic milestone Wednesday night, earning its first-ever NCAA Tournament victory with a 67–55 win over Lehigh University in the First Four.
Dontae Horne led the charge with a game-high 25 points, while Cory Wells added 19 to pace the Panthers (19–17). Lance Williams chipped in 10 points, helping Prairie View A&M control the game and pull away in the second half.
Making just their third appearance in March Madness, the Panthers delivered a composed performance on the big stage, limiting Lehigh’s offensive rhythm and capitalizing on key scoring runs.
Lehigh (18–17) struggled to find consistency, particularly from leading scorer Nasir Whitlock. After being held scoreless for more than 26 minutes, Whitlock finished with just five points on 2-of-15 shooting—well below his usual production. Hank Alvey provided a bright spot for the Mountain Hawks with 23 points.
With the win, Prairie View A&M advances as a No. 16 seed in the South Region and will take on defending national champion University of Florida in Tampa, Florida.
The victory marks a breakthrough moment for the Panthers, adding their name to the growing list of HBCU programs making noise on college basketball’s biggest stage.
DAYTON, Ohio — Howard University made program history Tuesday night, capturing its first-ever NCAA Tournament victory with a thrilling 86–83 win over University of Maryland, Baltimore County in the First Four.
Bryce Harris delivered a standout performance with 19 points and 14 rebounds, sealing the win with a clutch turnaround jumper with just 13 seconds remaining. His late-game heroics helped the Bison hold off a determined comeback by UMBC.
Ose Okojie led Howard with a career-high 23 points, powering the Bison (24–10) to a long-awaited breakthrough after entering March Madness winless in four previous appearances.
“We’ve accomplished a lot, but getting that first NCAA Tournament win means everything,” said head coach Kenneth Blakeney.
UMBC (24–9) made things interesting down the stretch. A three-pointer from DJ Armstrong Jr. cut the deficit to two with under a minute left. After Harris extended the lead, Jah’Likah King answered with a layup to keep it a one-possession game. But Howard held firm—Isaiah Brown split a pair of free throws, and Armstrong’s last-second three-point attempt missed, securing the historic win.
The Bison controlled much of the game, leading for nearly the entire contest and building a 13-point advantage in the first half. Okojie set the tone early with 16 first-half points, helping Howard take a 49–41 lead into halftime.
UMBC, known for its historic upset over Virginia in the 2018 NCAA Tournament, was looking to recreate March magic but fell just short despite strong performances from King (19 points), Armstrong (17), and Caden Diggs (15).
Cedric Taylor III added 16 points for Howard, excelling at the free-throw line before fouling out late in the game.
The Bison now advance as a No. 16 seed in the Midwest Region and will face powerhouse University of Michigan in the next round in Buffalo, New York.
With history already made, Howard now turns its attention to its next challenge on college basketball’s biggest stage.
The Fayetteville State University men’s basketball team saw its postseason run come to an end with a 96–83 loss to California University of Pennsylvania in the NCAA Division II Atlantic Regional Quarterfinal.
The game, played at the Highmark Events Center, marked the conclusion of a strong season for the Broncos, who finished 23–7 overall.
🔥 Strong First Half Effort
Fayetteville State controlled much of the first half, showcasing balanced scoring and energy on both ends of the floor.
Big plays from multiple contributors helped the Broncos build momentum, including key shots from the perimeter and strong interior presence. A late three-pointer gave FSU a 45–42 lead, and they entered halftime narrowly ahead 45–44 after a last-second response from California (PA).
⚡ Second Half Shift
The game turned quickly after halftime.
Following an early basket to extend their lead, Fayetteville State was met with a decisive run from California (PA), fueled by transition scoring and perimeter shooting. The Vulcans surged ahead and stretched the lead to double digits, eventually pushing it to 72–54 midway through the second half.
Despite multiple comeback attempts, the Broncos were unable to regain control.
⭐ Standout Performances
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Ezekiel Cannedy led the Broncos with 20 points
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Larry Howell recorded a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds
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Terrell Williams added a double-double of 13 points and 15 rebounds
Additional contributions came from:
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Darius Boben (8 points)
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Kenneth Brayboy (8 points, late dunks)
📊 Game Notes
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Final Score: California (PA) 96, Fayetteville State 83
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Halftime: FSU led 45–44
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Shooting: 35.3% from the field, 30% from three
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Bench Points: 34
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Second-Chance Points: 23
🏁 Season Reflection
Despite the loss, Fayetteville State’s season stands as a major success. The Broncos captured a conference title and carried momentum into the NCAA Tournament, highlighting their depth, toughness, and ability to compete at a high level.
With key contributors stepping up on the national stage, the program continues to build toward deeper postseason runs in the future.
The Winston-Salem State University women’s basketball team saw its remarkable postseason run come to a crushing end Monday night, dropping a 65–64 thriller to Indiana University of Pennsylvania in the NCAA Division II Atlantic Region Championship.
Inside the Kovalchick Convention & Athletic Complex, the Lady Rams battled from start to finish in a game defined by momentum swings, clutch shots, and late-game drama.
Winston-Salem State finishes the season with an impressive 28–4 record, capping off one of the program’s strongest campaigns.
🔥 Back-and-Forth Battle
The Rams showed early resilience, overcoming an early deficit with a strong closing run in the first quarter to take a narrow lead. They carried that momentum into the second, building a double-digit advantage before IUP responded late in the half.
After leading 32–27 at halftime, Winston-Salem State continued to fight through a tightly contested third quarter, holding a 50–47 edge heading into the final period.
💔 Final Seconds Decide It
In the fourth quarter, the Rams appeared in control late, extending their lead to 64–60 with just 36 seconds remaining.
But IUP responded when it mattered most.
A clutch three-pointer in the final seconds gave the Crimson Hawks a 65–64 lead, completing a late comeback. Winston-Salem State had one final opportunity, but a last-second shot attempt missed, sealing the heartbreaking loss.
⭐ Key Performers
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Ah’Kiyah Pye led the Rams with 16 points and strong all-around play
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Makayla Waleed added key scoring off the bench
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Alana Biosse contributed 11 points, including critical three-pointers
As a team, the Rams shot over 40% from the field, forced 19 turnovers, and showed defensive intensity with 13 steals.
📊 Game Snapshot
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Final Score: IUP 65, WSSU 64
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Lead changes: 13
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Ties: 10
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A true championship-level battle from start to finish
🏁 Season Reflection
Despite the loss, Winston-Salem State’s run to the regional championship highlighted the program’s growth, resilience, and championship potential.
One possession short of advancing, the Lady Rams proved they belong among the nation’s elite in Division II women’s basketball.
NORFOLK, Va. — Howard University claimed the 2026 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Women’s Basketball Tournament title Saturday with a 53–46 win over Norfolk State at The Scope, completing a sweep of the league’s tournament crowns after the Howard men also won the MEAC championship.
The Bison, who last earned a MEAC title and NCAA automatic bid in 2022, were led by MEAC Player of the Year and Tournament MVP Zennia Thomas, who posted 15 points and eight rebounds. Nile Miller added 12 points and a game-high 13 boards, while Ariella Henigan, the league’s Rookie of the Year, chipped in 11 points. Howard improved to 26–7 on the season.
Norfolk State, aiming for a fourth consecutive MEAC tournament title and NCAA berth, finished its campaign at 18–13. Jasha Hinton led the Spartans with 11 points, five rebounds, and five assists, and Anjanae Richardson added 10 points.
After trailing 16–9 after the first quarter, Norfolk State rallied to tie the game 27–27 at halftime. Howard responded in the second half with key baskets from Zoe Stewart and a 9–2 run that gave the Bison a 42–33 advantage after three quarters. Norfolk State closed the gap to 47–43 in the final period, but Howard’s Miller scored inside to extend the lead, and the Bison finished strong with four of the game’s final seven points to secure the 53–46 win.
Head coach Ty Grace praised the Spartans’ program and credited his team’s preparation and execution. Miller, the lone senior at the postgame press conference, reflected on finally capturing a MEAC title after four seasons of trying.
2026 MEAC Women’s Basketball All-Tournament Team
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Zennia Thomas, Howard (Tournament Outstanding Player)
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Ariella Henigan, Howard
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Jasha Clinton, Norfolk State
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Anjanae Richardson, Norfolk State
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Kaliya Perry, UMES
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