DEI training pressure on policing

What happened: UK police officers have admitted feeling pressured by Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) training to ignore a dying white teenager, Henry Nowak, in 2020. A Christian police community support officer was fired for questioning Islam during a diversity session. Footage has emerged showing differential policing based on race, with a female officer intervening in an attack on black individuals while similar incidents involving white victims went unaddressed.

Market impact: The revelations have sparked public outrage and calls for reform, potentially driving increased scrutiny and regulation of police forces. Companies involved in DEI training and consulting, such as diversity training provider The Diversity Partnership and consultancy firm EY, may face reputational risks and potential shifts in demand for their services. Insurers of police forces, like Lloyd's of London, could see increased liability risks.

What to watch next: The upcoming report by the UK's Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) on the Henry Nowak case in late 2023 will provide further insights into the extent of DEI training's influence on policing decisions. The outcome of the judicial review into the dismissed police officer's case in early 2024 will also be a key catalyst, potentially setting a precedent for future cases involving freedom of speech and religious expression in the workplace.