Even though corporate America spends billions of dollars annually on diversity and inclusion (D&I) programs, most companies have made little progress in hiring a diverse workforce. According to a widely cited 2019 study by Coqual, a New York-based think tank, corporate America's efforts to increase diversity are failing due to a reluctance to discuss race in the workplace, according to the study. Following the killing of George Floyd and the countrywide demonstrations against the institutional racism that followed, efforts to expand diversity and inclusion programs gained additional significance.

Retailers such as Walmart and PwC, among others, have declared initiatives to combat economic and racial inequalities, including pledges to boost their diversity and inclusion efforts. Although participation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields has increased in the twenty-first century, women, racially diverse, and 2SLGBTQIA+ people continue to be underrepresented in STEM. According to statistics, attrition begins in high school and college, when studies show that they are frequently discouraged by disparate treatment, stereotypes, and a lack of role models.

Some attribute the underrepresentation of racially diverse women and 2SLGBTQIA+ people in STEM careers and research positions to not having people that look like them in these roles. In contrast, others attribute it to the difficulties women, racially diverse, and 2SLGBTQIA+ people face in obtaining salaries, promotions, and opportunities for recognition comparable to those received by their male counterparts.

While most observers recognize the need to increase diversity in STEM disciplines, there is disagreement on the most effective means of achieving this aim. According to others, the primary focus should be tackling toxic workplace practices such as sexual harassment and systematic discrimination. Another school of thought holds that the emphasis should be on enhancing the general culture of inclusion in STEM education and careers, such as through the provision of mentorship programs and the promotion of the achievements of those who have traditionally been underrepresented in these fields.