A new study from the Network Contagion Research Institute (NCRI) and Rutgers University has revealed the true extent of the psychological harm that can be caused by mandated “diversity, equity, and inclusion” (DEI) policies in the workplace and education.

As reported by Fox News, the research reveals an increased level of hostility and punitive attitudes when participants are exposed to DEI talking points regarding race, religion, and gender. These attitudes may directly contribute to an increase in intergroup hostility and authoritarian attitudes towards others.

The study, released on Monday, was co-authored by NCRI Chief Science Officer Joel Finkelstein, who explained how the study was conducted.

“What we did was we took a lot of these ideas that were found to still be very prominent in a lot of these DEI lectures and interventions and training,” said Finkelstein in an interview. “And we said, ‘Well, how is this going to affect people?’ What we found is that when people are exposed to this ideology, what happens is they become hostile without any indication that anything racist has happened.”

The research determined that, ironically, DEI training and mandates can actually make tensions worse rather than alleviate them. The survey measured “explicit bias, social distancing, demonization, and authoritarian tendencies” within the control materials and the DEI materials.

“When people are supposed to see anti-racist material in the ideology, it looks like what happens is that they become more likely to punish for any evidence of wrongdoing,” Finkelstein continued. “That includes protesting people, calling for dismissal, demanding public apologies, receiving people calling for their relocation. These punitive measures are, in some cases, costing people their jobs.”

Some of the pro-DEI material featured in the study included the works of Ibram X. Kendi, the author of “How to Be an Antiracist,” and Robin DiAngelo, the author of “White Fragility.” The materials predominantly focused on awareness of so-called “systemic oppression.”

A study from Pew Research Center in 2023 found that at least 52% of American workers have had some sort of DEI training or events in the workplace. Harvard Kennedy School Professor Iris Bohnet determined that as much as $8 billion is spent every year on DEI programs and materials.