Staying the Course: Blocking Out the Noise and Building an Inclusive America

The current landscape for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) work can feel deeply frustrating and disheartening. The fear-mongering and bullying tactics being used—amplified by organizations like SHRM—are designed to create confusion and stoke fear, but let’s be clear: DEI work is not illegal. Statements claiming otherwise are simply not true.

This administration’s actions are rooted in fear, aiming to maintain systems of exclusion and power under the guise of "meritocracy." If merit alone were the measure, we wouldn’t see nepotism, cronyism, or the systemic inequities that led to the necessity of affirmative action and DEI efforts in the first place.

Despite these challenges, we must stay focused on the larger goal: building a truly inclusive America. This work extends beyond the workplace—it’s about ensuring equity and inclusion at every level of society. To stay grounded and effective, leaders and individuals can take steps to block out the noise and remain committed to progress:

How Leaders and Individuals Can Focus on the Goal:

1. Center the Mission Reconnect with the purpose of DEI work: creating spaces where everyone can thrive and contribute meaningfully. Let this mission anchor your decisions and actions.
2. Understand the Law Misinformation thrives when people are uncertain. Educate yourself on what is legal and permissible in your industry or organization. Partner with legal experts if necessary.
3. Advocate for Psychological Safety Build environments where people feel safe to express themselves, raise concerns, and innovate without fear of retaliation. This is foundational to inclusion.
4. Disrupt the Noise Filter out fear-based rhetoric by seeking credible sources of information and avoiding platforms or organizations that perpetuate fear tactics.
5. Focus on Results, Not Performative Actions Measure the impact of your DEI efforts with clear, data-driven outcomes. Highlight the business case for DEI, from innovation to talent retention.
6. Leverage Community Connect with other leaders, organizations, and advocates committed to equity and inclusion. There is power in solidarity and shared strategies.
7. Educate and Empower Provide tools, training, and resources to help individuals at all levels understand how they can contribute to inclusive practices in their own spheres of influence.
8. Look Beyond the Workplace Support policies, organizations, and initiatives that advance equity in education, healthcare, housing, and beyond. True inclusion is systemic.
9. Practice Resilience Recognize that this work is a marathon, not a sprint. Celebrate small wins, take breaks when needed, and remind yourself that progress often meets resistance before change takes hold.
10. Challenge the Narrative Speak out against false narratives and fear tactics. Use your platform to advocate for truth and justice, whether that’s in your organization or your community.

The fight for inclusion is far from over, and while the current climate may seem daunting, it’s critical to remain steadfast. Progress requires resilience, collaboration, and a commitment to truth over fear. Together, we can build a more inclusive America—one step, one policy, and one workplace at a time.

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Sacha Thompson, founder of The Equity Equation, boasts 20+ years of experience spanning education, non-profit, and tech sectors. With a fervent commitment to inclusive leadership and workplace equity, Sacha specializes in fostering psychological safety for all team members. Her transformative coaching and consultancy services have earned her recognition in Forbes, Newsweek, and Business Insider. A seasoned speaker on DEI and leadership, Sacha is dedicated to building inclusive cultures and driving organizational success. She was most recently featured in NBC News, Newsweek, and Business Insider.