Hello. Despite the current criticism of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) being stoked by the Trump administration and US Supreme Court, a new analysis of business and law school outcomes suggests that it does indeed pay — not just socially or morally, but also financially.

In a study published in Nature, researchers examining thousands of MBA and JD law degree cohorts over many years found that those with greater racial diversity received higher median salaries at graduation.

The authors from the University of Connecticut’s and Dartmouth’s business schools discovered that in an MBA or JD cohort of 100 students, one additional minority student is associated with an approximate starting salary increase of $12,524 or $29,758 respectively.

“Legislators should recognize the educational and economic value of racial diversity,” they conclude, adding that courts should revisit affirmative action and professional school administrators should consider filing lawsuits to secure the legal right to reinstate it.

Reminder: We are exploring business school-high school bridging programmes designed to offer training and improve access to higher education. Please complete this survey or circulate it to relevant colleagues in your or other educational institutions by May 15.

Faculty: Check out our latest professors’ picks of recent FT articles, complete with suggested classroom questions, and encourage your students to join the debate by commenting underneath.

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From the FT

Women at the sharp end of AI Female-dominated clerical work is among the most vulnerable to automation, and labour market losses are already being felt.

‘You’ve got to achieve things quickly’: lessons from a decade of leading London Sadiq Khan’s long tenure as the capital’s mayor is a sharp contrast to high turnover in Downing Street.

The ‘surname ceiling’ holding back family companies Many of the brightest workers steer clear of such businesses because promotions are scarcer and rewards lower.

Welcome to the Great Hunkering Down Why aren’t more people quitting their jobs?

Letter: I’ve learnt that university is not for everyone Some will greatly benefit from a university education but, taking account of the enormous debt this imposes, many would do better not going to university.

Call my agents: snapshots from the future of work Staff are often more willing than leaders to move quickly on AI and automation.

Professor insights

Is the EU’s countryside about to change? European farmers have long counted on political protection and state support. Now that may be fracturing.

Recent studies by the EU’s Joint Research Centre show that if the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) were removed, agricultural production would only fall by a bit more than 5 per cent.

“Fertile good land is not going to be left idle if we don’t pay subsidies to farmers,” says Alan Matthews, professor of European agricultural policy at Trinity College Dublin.

To maximise food production and reduce subsidies, the EU needs bigger farms, he adds. But that goes against the grain of popular opinion and national culture.

Data line

Business schools have made notable progress in embedding responsibility and sustainability into their courses. Since 2023, core teaching hours on these topics in full-time MBA programmes have risen by 5 percentage points.

Similarly, online MBA programmes have seen a 9 percentage point increase in credits focused on responsibility and sustainability. Teaching on carbon reduction has doubled across both full-time and online MBA courses.

Research round-up

AI summaries go beyond skimming Machine reading of financial media articles enhances overall comprehension and directs investors toward highlighted elements, say Harvard researchers.

Parents worry about kids using and not using AI Research involving Chicago Booth shows that parents’ fears of their children falling behind can outweigh concerns about potential negative effects of the technology.

Business school news

Mays Business School students allocate $200k for 12 non-profits The student-led US strategic philanthropy course shows how business education can serve the community.

IMD launches initiative on responsible reconstruction, starting with Ukraine The Swiss institute plans to examine how the private sector can support reconstruction in a commercially viable and responsible way.

Mannheim launches platform to make research accessible The aim is to prioritise clear, concise formats over complex academic articles, presenting findings that emphasise practical relevance.

France’s ESCP and Japan’s Uniqlo collaboration This will offer students internships and fashion retail experiences across key European markets, including France, Italy, the UK, Spain and Germany.

London’s King’s Business School and King’s College Hospital form partnership The goal is to boost understanding and excellence in key areas underpinning high-quality healthcare.

FT Live hybrid events

US pharma and biotech summit Revolutionary treatments could transform healthcare, but uncertainty still clouds the path to access. Learn more on May 14 in New York.

Business of luxury summit Get insights about building resilience into luxury brands from May 17 to 19 in Italy.

Are you up to date with the news?

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Business School Insider is written by Wai Kwen Chan, Sam Stephens, Leo Cremonezi and Andrew Jack, and edited today by Harvey Nriapia.