It's definitely not "a casual question." What OP is suggesting is heresy in many places. In many people's view, it is discriminatory not to "compensate" for u

It's definitely not "a casual question." What OP is suggesting is heresy in many places. In many people's view, it is discriminatory not to "compensate" for uneven starting points by advantaging based on privilege. The logic goes that if you aren't actively working/supporting changing things, then you are against them. Also worth noting is that HR managers are overwhelmingly female[1], and in my experience they tend to be some of the more die-hard believers in DEI. If you're concerned that a policy may be discriminating against a male, you're taking a huge gamble by talking to them. It's quite likely that it was their idea in the first place. [1]: https://www.hrdive.com/news/the-hr-professions-big-diversity-question-where-are-the-men/542611/ https://www.hrdive.com/news/the-hr-professions-big-diversity...