The Real Reason DEI Is Under Attack: It’s About What It Represents, Not How It’s Practiced.

I’m often surprised when I hear people in the field of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) blaming other practitioners for the backlash we’re seeing against DEI efforts. Don’t get me wrong—some folks are doing more harm than good in this space, just like in any other field. Whether it’s executive coaching, recruitment, or systems change consulting, there are always practitioners who aren’t effective or, worse, are damaging. But here’s the question: Why aren’t we seeing these other fields under attack or being outlawed? The answer lies in what DEI represents—not how it’s practiced.

Those who oppose DEI are resisting its ultimate goals, not simply critiquing its methods. They are fundamentally opposed to the vision of a multiracial, multiethnic, multigender, and multi-ability workforce. This resistance is not new—it’s part of a long and troubling pattern in American history.

Let’s look back. The end of slavery in 1865 led to the establishment of the Freedmen's Bureau to help newly freed Black people transition to freedom (Carpetbaggers and Scalawags were rebranded to become the "woke warriors" of their day, but using much harsher language, the exact meaning as today though). The backlash was swift, and cries of “reverse discrimination” were heard for the first time. In the 1960s, when the Civil Rights Movement pushed for fundamental human rights for Black Americans, the backlash was fierce again. Affirmative Action? There was more backlash and lies reframing it as favoring "unqualified" candidates. What do all of these moments have in common? Anti-Blackness.

Most people don’t fully understand how anti-Blackness is at the root of much of the backlash to DEI, nor do they grasp how it affects everyone, regardless of race. For instance, millions of white Americans have died needlessly because President Harry Truman couldn’t pass universal healthcare due to anti-Black Southern Democrats who didn’t want Black Americans to have access to the same care. Why do so many people—Black, white, Hispanic, and more—struggle in low-wage, tipped jobs? The practice of tipping stems from post-slavery policies that undervalued Black labor, claiming their work didn’t warrant wages.

Those practicing DEI but failing to trace these historical threads are missing the bigger picture. Yes, DEI practitioners can improve—just like any other profession—but the field shouldn’t be outlawed or held to higher scrutiny than others. There are no magic words to say or NOT say that will change this organized campaign against advancement. What we need to address is the long-standing, unchecked disinformation campaigns from institutions like the Claremont Institute, which have worked for decades to reframe and redefine any effort to create a multiracial, inclusive society as inherently destructive.

Instead of turning on one another, we need to recognize the real challenge. The attack on DEI isn’t about methodology or individual missteps—it’s about resisting the very goals DEI seeks to achieve. To build a truly inclusive, multi-racial democracy, we must focus on countering these divisive, destructive narratives rather than policing ourselves to death.

#DEI#DiversityEquityInclusion#AntiRacism#InclusiveLeadership#SocialJustice#AntiBlackness

#LeadershipDevelopment#WorkplaceEquity#EquityMatters#DiversityMatters #lowwagejobs #marketing #pr

#MultiracialWorkforce#InclusionRevolution#RacialEquity#InclusiveCulture#SocialImpact#EquityAndInclusion#HistoryAndEquity#LeadershipForAll#InclusiveDemocracy #StopDEIdisinformation

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