The Human Rights Campaign is laying off 20% of its workforce in a major restructuring effort. As reported by The Advocate, about 50 employees will be affected when the layoffs take effect on February 12.
HRC leaders cite financial sustainability and rising political threats as key reasons behind this shocking decision. Despite exceeding fundraising goals in past years—raising $85 million in 2023—expenses have outpaced revenue for the HRC, ultimately leading to a net asset decline.
The HRC statement said, “To avoid layoffs, we explored a range of cost-saving measures, from attrition to aggressively pushing revenue and evaluating program expenses, but ultimately, both strategic and budget reasons led us to this restructuring.” The board has tasked President Kelley Robinson with balancing the budget. Robinson has acknowledged the tough decision but has also reaffirmed HRC’s mission. She said, “Our success has never been determined by the number of staff we have but by the impact that we make in the world.” Two sources close to this story told Queer News Tonight that the statement does not address the real elephant in the room. Trump and GOP complete rejection of DEI.
For much of 2024 these conservatives and their allies have outpaced the LGBTQ traditional social justice organizations including the HRC. Queer News Tonight continues to report on the growing corporate response to DEI; withdrawing support for LGBTQ organizations including Pride events, major queer charities and even the HRC’s own corporate and city diversity index program. After decades of growth, 2024 became the first year that there was a significant increase of anti-DEI sentiment.
The news became worse after the November election. Since the January 20 inauguration, DEI has been under a blistering attack of even its existence. That has led to a financial crisis to LGBTQ social justice causes. Under the condition of anonymity, a source close to the HRC said “Our advocacy organizations including the HRC have not seen attacks like this in the 21st century. Stephen Miller with the Trump Administration has already made major gains… for rejection of DEI support in corporate America… Anti-LGBTQ activist Robby Starbuck has had significant success to get major corporations to reduce and even abandon HRC support on diversity issues. This is having a significant impact on how to respond …. and where the money to do it comes from…”
