Bold, Brilliant, Badass LinkedIn Top 10 – Perspective in the Face of DEI Setbacks

Welcome to this week’s Bold, Brilliant, Badass Newsletter!

In his first hours back in office, President Trump issued sweeping executive orders dismantling DEI initiatives across federal agencies and targeting private sector diversity programs. These actions have ignited fear and uncertainty—but DEI practitioners, allies, and advocates are standing firm, offering insight, resources, and unwavering commitment to equity and inclusion.

This week’s newsletter provides critical updates on the latest executive orders, their implications, and how we can push forward in the face of adversity.

1?? Trump’s Immediate Impact on DEI ?? Forbes on the Federal DEI Shutdown ??? Why it matters: President Trump’s first-day executive orders mandated the immediate shutdown of federal DEI programs, leaving employees on leave and agencies scrambling to comply.

2?? Federal DEI Dismantled ?? Simon Ateba on the DEI Crackdown ??? Why it matters: DEI efforts across federal agencies are being labeled “radical and wasteful,” with strict measures to prevent rebranding or repurposing under different names.

3?? DEI in the Private Sector at Risk ?? Stacia Sherman Garr on Private Sector Implications ??? Why it matters: The executive orders extend beyond the federal government, targeting contractors and corporations that have made DEI commitments.

4?? A DEI Enemies List? ?? @Rachel See on Legal Risks for Employers ??? Why it matters: The new executive orders create a bounty system allowing whistleblowers to sue federal contractors over "illegal DEI" programs—putting companies at risk.

5?? What HR Leaders Must Do Now ?? Kim Minnick on Rapid Response Planning ??? Why it matters: HR professionals must be proactive and prepared. Kim provides a free Rapid Response Plan template to help organizations navigate DEI-related challenges.

6?? LGBTQ+ Rights Under Attack ?? LGBT Network on Fighting Back ??? Why it matters: Trump’s actions target LGBTQ+ identities, but advocacy groups are stepping up to challenge these harmful policies in court and through community support.

7?? Human Rights at Risk ?? Kerry Kennedy on Trans and Non-Binary Erasure ??? Why it matters: The rollback of DEI and gender recognition policies is more than a setback—it’s an attack on basic human rights. Kerry Kennedy urges continued resistance.

8?? EEOC’s New Direction ?? Natasha Bowman on Trump's EEOC Appointee ??? Why it matters: The newly appointed EEOC chair vows to “restore balance” by rooting out DEI initiatives, raising concerns about future enforcement actions.

9?? Sex vs. Gender – Know the Difference ?? Gender Specialist on Misinformation ??? Why it matters: Trump's EO conflates sex and gender—this post provides a clear breakdown of why this rhetoric is harmful and misleading.

?? A Reality Check on Immigration ?? Bob Webber on New Immigration Policies ??? Why it matters: Immigration policies affecting diverse talent pipelines are under threat. This article summarizes key executive orders for employers.

The Diversiology Perspective: A Betrayal of Decency ?? Rocki Howard on Standing for Humanity ??? Why it matters: The recent political decisions—attacks on DEI, LGBTQ+ rights, and immigration—are a betrayal of decency and humanity. Now more than ever, we must stand firm in our values, show up for marginalized communities, and take action to protect dignity and inclusion.

Bonus Articles

Insightful Analysis of the DEI Executive Order ?? Jeannine Carter on Moving Forward ??? Why it matters: As DEI efforts face unprecedented challenges, Jeannine offers thoughtful analysis and encourages those impacted to seek support and stay the course.

Trump's Targeting of DEI ?? Kristen Parisi on the Administration’s Moves ??? Why it matters: Trump’s latest executive orders against DEI in the federal government—and the private sector—are more political posturing than policy, aimed at stirring his base.

The Impact of Trump's DEI Rollback ?? Sherrie Sullivan on DEI’s Future ??? Why it matters: The rollback of DEI initiatives has profound implications, especially for Black and Brown communities. Sherris outlines what’s at stake and the path forward.

The Business Case for DEI Remains Strong ?? Timothy Bartl on DEI's Staying Power ??? Why it matters: Despite the current political climate, the core business case for DEI remains unchanged—strong talent drives success, and compliance remains essential.

Federal Employees Face Retaliation ?? Melodie Warner on Workplace Fear ??? Why it matters: Federal employees are being urged to report colleagues with DEI roles, creating a culture of fear and uncertainty within agencies.

Weekend Thought ?? Cut Through the Noise: Stay Focused Exequiel (Zeke) Hernandez on Staying Grounded Amid Chaos ??? Why it matters: Amid political chaos, staying informed without reacting impulsively is key. Zeke shares practical advice to remain focused and strategic.

Join Our Community and Stay Resilient ?? Want to stay ahead in your DEI work during these challenging times? Join the Diversiology community and our January challenge to build resilience and navigate these changes with confidence.

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You may not be feeling bold, brilliant, and badass this week and that's okay—but stay focused. Take care of yourself.

Have an awesome, productive, and impactful week!