Goodbye DEI, Hello Instability
A photo of protest signs from the 2016 women's march. Photo by Jen Packer
Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) have been the silent protector of diversity in America for generations; however, consistent with his campaign promise, President Donald Trump has enacted two executive orders, effective Jan. 21, 2025, to end DEI practices in America.
DEI practices create a welcoming environment by acknowledging differences, typically in a workplace or school. As a concept, DEI ensures fair and equal opportunities for workers by bringing together people of various backgrounds in an environment where they feel worthwhile and respected.
Additionally, DEI protects individuals from hiring discrimination solely based on race, sexuality, gender identity, religion, disability and age. Now that the federal government has overturned DEI practices, the future of the American workplace and education system feels uncertain.
President Trump signed two executive orders. One required the attorney general to recommend measures encouraging the private sector to end DEI practices, the other will only federally recognize the existence of two genders.
DEI was created after the social movements of the 1950s and 1960s, which sought to prove the vast differences in privilege among American citizens. In the 1970s, Affirmative Action policies were created to proactively and accurately address historical inequalities. Many organizations nationwide began implementing programs to increase the representation of underrepresented groups. Affirmative Action strives to create and maintain diversity and equality within colleges, employment and procurement.
So, why do President Trump and his administration desperately want to abolish DEI and Affirmative Action policies?
The administration's overarching reason for removing DEI programs is that they believe that the policies are counterproductive and ideologically driven and undermine merit and individual achievement. They feel that the emphasis on identity heavily overshadows talent, merit, hard work and persistence.
However, DEI practices and programs are implemented to protect the most ardently discriminated against members of the system. They do not unjustly reward these individuals; rather, they guarantee the correction of discriminatory practices and thus provide a fair environment. The program prevents qualified individuals from being turned away due to their race, gender identity, sexuality, etc. It strives for equity.
Now, President Trump and his administration are forcing the nationwide abolishment of DEI practices. The Department of Education released an official statement threatening the federal funding of any academic institution, K-12 or collegiate, that considers race in most aspects of student life. This decision references a 2023 Supreme Court decision that gutted Affirmative Action.
Craig Trainor, the Education Department’s secretary for civil rights, stated, “Federal law thus prohibits covered entities from using race in decisions pertaining to admissions, hiring, promotion, compensation, financial aid, scholarships, prizes, administrative support, discipline, housing, graduation ceremonies, and all other aspects of student, academic, and campus life.”
This decision was ultimately made under the lens that race-based decision-making is immeasurable, especially within schools. Sadly, what this entails is a lack of protection and representation for minority students.
Students who rely on DEI practices for equal recognition risk mistreatment and unequal opportunities in school and the workplace due to these newly enacted policies.
By eradicating DEI programs, workplaces across America will drastically change. There will be a reduction of marginalized groups in the workplace, thus leading to a less diverse workforce. It’s also important to mention that diverse teams of employees have enhanced overall company performance, so performance will falter.
Additionally, corporations will face a surplus of legal risks due to discriminatory practices, an increase in unemployment rates (leading to economic disparities), a lack of organization and, of course, social tensions.
While President Trump and his administration view DEI and Affirmative Action as unnecessary practices, the opposite has been proved time and time again. Over the past decade alone, it has significantly contributed to reducing unemployment rates amongst underrepresented/minority groups, as well as white men, within America. If it truly was an unnecessary and unethical practice, it would not have withstood successfully for almost 60 years.
Without the protection of DEI, the future of diversity and inclusion within the American workplace and education system is uncertain for the first time in a long time.