Construction Inclusion Week, the industry-driven campaign designed to promote diversity, equity and belonging on jobsites, is entering its fifth year stronger than ever — even as national debate intensifies around DEI programs.
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According to a news release shared with Construction Dive, the initiative has secured a record 132 sponsors for its 2025 event, a 21% increase over last year. Participation spans major contractors, trade partners and industry associations, with 23 supporters opting into the top-tier “Visionary” sponsorship level, more than double its original goal of 10.
“Construction Inclusion Week began with a simple but powerful vision — to make our industry a place where everyone feels they belong and are treated with respect and dignity,” said Abrar Sheriff, 2025 CIW chair and president of Turner Construction. “That vision continues to gain momentum.”
The surge in support comes at a time when diversity initiatives face growing opposition at the federal level. The Trump administration recently issued a rule prohibiting gender or ethnicity from being used as criteria in the Department of Transportation’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program, a move that critics say undermines decades of progress in supplier inclusion.
Even amid what CIW organizers described as a "politically charged atmosphere," the industry response signals a strong counter-narrative: companies are choosing to affirm the value of inclusive cultures rather than retreat from them.
The initiative traces its roots back to 2021, when several major contractors launched it in response to a disturbing rise in hate-related incidents on construction sites after the murder of George Floyd, including reports of nooses being discovered on projects across North America.
Sheriff emphasized that the movement remains focused on action rather than rhetoric.
“By opening doors and creating inclusive pathways for people to grow and build meaningful careers, we are expanding opportunity and shaping an industry where all people can thrive,” he said.
Running from October 13–17, CIW 2025 will offer a robust catalog of resources for both field teams and corporate leaders, including:
While some critics argue DEI efforts are performative, the rising sponsorship numbers suggest contractors see Inclusion Week as more than just PR — they view it as a strategic lever for workforce growth, retention and site safety.
With labor shortages still squeezing project schedules nationwide, organizers say building jobsite cultures where workers feel safe, welcome and respected is not just a social issue — it’s a productivity issue.
As CIW 2025 approaches, one message is clear: the construction industry is choosing to keep the door open — and widen it.
Originally reported by Joe Bousquin in Construction Dive.
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