Consulting's Trump-era DEI bill hits $63 million as Accenture joins Deloitte and IBM in settling discrimination claims
Accenture has agreed to a $25 million settlement with the Department of Justice over allegations of discriminatory hiring and promotion practices related to DEI policies. This follows similar settlements by IBM and Deloitte, totaling $63.5 million in fines.
Why it matters
The settlements underscore the legal and financial risks companies face regarding diversity initiatives under the current administration's enforcement of anti-discrimination laws.
Accenture is the latest consulting firm to settle with the Department of Justice over DEI discrimination claims. Matthias Balk/picture alliance via Getty Images Accenture agreed to pay $25 million to settle allegations related to Trump's DEI policies. The DOJ said Accenture discriminated on the basis of race and sex in hiring and promotion practices. IBM and Deloitte paid similar settlement fees in 2026, bringing the three firms' bill to $63.5 million. Accenture is the latest company to pay up for President Donald Trump's DEI policies. The technology and consulting firm agreed to pay $25 million to settle allegations that it failed to comply with antidiscrimination requirements in federal contracts, the Department of Justice announced on Monday. The agency accused Accenture of discriminating against employees and applicants by taking race or sex into account when making hiring and promotion decisions between 2017 and 2026.
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