‘It goes too far’: Robby Starbuck SHRM panel legitimizes anti-DEI stance, stakeholders say

Core Viewpoint - The announcement of Robby Starbuck as a panelist at the SHRM Blueprint conference has sparked significant backlash from HR professionals and stakeholders, who argue that his presence undermines the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) that the conference aims to promote [2][3][4]. Industry Reactions - Many HR professionals expressed their discontent on LinkedIn regarding SHRM's decision to include Starbuck, highlighting that his views contradict the conference's focus on inclusion and meaningful outcomes in diversity [3][4]. - Critics argue that Starbuck's past statements, which label DEI initiatives as "poison," are antithetical to evidence-based HR practices and could legitimize harmful perspectives [7][11]. SHRM's Position - SHRM's president emphasized the organization's commitment to fostering diverse viewpoints, including those of both Starbuck and left-leaning commentator Van Jones, in an effort to reflect a broad spectrum of perspectives [2][13]. - The organization aims to create a balanced forum for discussion, although many stakeholders believe that the inclusion of Starbuck detracts from this goal and may not facilitate constructive dialogue [13][14]. Concerns About Qualifications - Questions have been raised regarding Starbuck's qualifications and experience in publicly traded corporations, with some industry veterans suggesting that his background does not align with the expertise needed to discuss DEI effectively [9][10]. - Critics argue that SHRM could have selected more qualified individuals to address the financial implications of DEI, such as CEOs or experts with a proven track record in the field [10][11]. Broader Implications - The decision to include Starbuck is seen as part of a larger trend of rollbacks in DEI efforts across Fortune 500 companies, raising concerns about the future of inclusion initiatives in the corporate landscape [4][12]. - Stakeholders fear that platforming individuals with extremist views could undermine the progress made in DEI and create a divisive atmosphere within the industry [6][14].