After the 2024 election, many companies and institutions in the US are scaling back their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Public opinion has shifted, and people are recognizing that these policies create division rather than inclusivity. But one organization isn’t following the trend: the New York Yankees.
According to a recent article in the New York Daily News, the Yankees are doubling down on their DEI efforts despite all the criticism. The team’s commitment to left wing politics seems unwavering, even as others are backing away from what many now see as divisive practices.
The Yankees’ Diversity Push Began in 2021
In 2021, during the height of the national conversation around racial justice and equality, the Yankees formed a Diversity and Inclusion Committee. The mission? To “identify, engage and address issues related to equality, racial justice and inclusivity”.
At the time it was framed as a response to “recent senseless tragedies in our communities”. Some praised the move, others saw it as performative virtue signaling – a way for the franchise to check the boxes of being progressive without actually making any changes.
Fast forward to today, and the Yankees’ stance feels even more out of touch. But the Daily News – a left leaning publication – is celebrating the team’s decision to continue with DEI efforts.
Yankees’ Official Statement
Brian Smith, Yankees’ senior vice president of corporate and community relations, confirmed the team’s DEI agenda is still in play.
“We are working with our Diversity and Inclusion Committee and our neighbors and community partners,” Smith told the Daily News. “Our position on this hasn’t changed, and our Diversity and Inclusion Committee is still at work.”
This is the Yankees refusing to budge on their ideology over practicality.
Why This Matters: Left-Wing Pressure vs. Reality
The Daily News praised the Yankees for sticking to their DEI goals and even accused team president Randy Levine of being a hypocrite. Levine, who has ties to former President Donald Trump, was labeled as someone with a “well-documented history of racism” by the outlet—an accusation based on partisan talking points, not fact.
Here’s the problem: DEI isn’t about diversity or inclusion anymore. It’s a test of ideological purity. Supporting someone like Trump means you’re anti-diversity in the eyes of the left-wing media. And the Yankees seem all too happy to play along, fearing backlash from the liberal New York press corps.
A Bigger Picture: MLB Steps Back, Yankees Dig In
Major League Baseball itself has taken a different approach. Earlier this year, MLB removed DEI from its website—a clear sign of the times. The Yankees are sticking to their guns on this.
It’s hard not to see this as caving to left-wing activists and media. Instead of charting their own course based on common sense and fairness, the Yankees are giving in to external pressure.
Don’t Give In to Ideological Bullies
If you’re an organization trying to navigate this divided world, here’s the lesson: Don’t give in to ideological bullies. Whether it’s cancel culture, DEI mandates, or fear of bad press, giving in only makes things worse.
The Yankees may get kudos from some for sticking to their DEI guns, but they’ll also lose fans who want unity over politics. As others adapt to the times, the Yankees’ intransigence could cost them goodwill—and maybe even tickets.
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