Groundbreaking study by Network Infection Research Institute (NCRI) has sparked heated debate by revealing the unintended consequences of race-based Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) training programs. Conducted in collaboration with Rutgers University, the research shows that training materials from Equality Labs—widely used in corporate and academic spaces—can scale up. Anti-Hindu discriminationPromote dehumanizing rhetoric, and deepen prejudicial perceptions. Critics have called out media outlets such as The New York Times and Bloomberg for allegedly suppressing the study’s findings, fueling concerns about transparency and accountability in the DEI discourse.
Here are some things you should know:
Focus of Study:
A Network Contagion Research Institute (NCRI) study, conducted in collaboration with Rutgers University, examined the impact. Equality LabsRace-based Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) training programs on Hindu Americans. It highlights the unintended consequences of such programs.
Key Findings of the Study:
- Increased Perceptions of Prejudice: Participants exposed to content from Equality Labs were more likely to perceive discrimination in neutral situations.
- Adverse attribution bias: Training encouraged participants to see systemic injustice, fostering mistrust.
- Dehumanizing Rhetoric: Participants exposed to training materials endorsed extreme, divisive language, including words like “parasite” and “virus” when referring to Brahmins.
- Controversy over Media Suppression: The
Hindu American Foundation (HAF) The New York Times and Bloomberg accused him of suppressing the study’s findings, which showed the negative effects of caste-based DEI training on Hindu Americans. Reportedly, both outlets canceled the planned coverage without explanation.
Role of Parity Laboratories:
Equality Labs, a leading anti-caste advocacy group, has faced criticism from Hindu organizations for its polarizing rhetoric. The study adds empirical evidence to claims that their training materials may promote prejudice rather than combat gender discrimination.
Hitler Similarities:
The study used quotes adapted from Adolf Hitler, replacing references to “Jews” with “Brahmins” to gauge responses. Participants exposed to Equality Labs training were more likely to endorse dehumanizing rhetoric in these modified statements.
Media Selection Criteria:
Dr. Colin Wright, who published the study, pointed out the inconsistency in media practices. For example, The New York Times previously cited NCRI research without requiring peer review but allegedly demanded it to justify withholding publication for the study.
Implications for DEI programs:
Study findings suggest that DEI initiatives that rely on untested frameworks may inadvertently deepen divisions and increase bias, raising questions about their overall effectiveness and unintended consequences.
Race Law in the US:
The controversy ties into broader debates about race discrimination in the US, including California’s Senate Bill 403. While supporters argue for its necessity, critics see it as unfairly targeting the Hindu community. Governor Newsom vetoed the bill in 2023, citing existing anti-discrimination laws.
Community Reactions:
Hindu organizations and community members have expressed concern over the findings, arguing that such DEI training perpetuates harmful stereotypes and alienates Hindu Americans. This has called for an evidence-based and culturally sensitive approach.
Broad concerns about DEI:
Critics of DEI programs argue that many initiatives lack rigorous oversight and often rely on divisive structures. A 2021 meta-analysis found that some DEI efforts may foster resentment and perceptions of injustice, similar to the effects documented in the NCRI study.