Why Quitting DEI Is Not an Option for Me

Recently, friends and peers have urged me to rethink my focus on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). They’ve suggested I remove all signs of it from my resume, social media, and professional identity, given the current political climate, where DEI work is contentious, even risky. Let me be unequivocal: that is not happening.

First, I am good at this work. But more than that, I believe in its necessity. I am a Black, first-generation, educated man, the product of a generation of Black grandmothers who labored as housekeepers and, as my family puts it, “kept other people’s families together while building their own.” To erase DEI from my professional life would be to erase a core part of myself and the truth of what I represent. This work is not a trend or a passing phase. It is the culmination of sacrifices made by those who came before me and remains essential to creating justice and equity for those who will follow.

The recent election cycle has laid bare deep societal divides, with DEI becoming a lightning rod in political discourse. In this charged climate, DEI advocates must hold firm to the core principles of equity and belonging. Misconceptions and targeted backlash seek to undermine these efforts, but we cannot allow the noise to distract from our purpose. DEI is about creating equitable opportunities, fostering inclusive environments, and honoring the inherent worth of every individual. It is not a privilege—it is a right and a freedom we all deserve.

This is a time to speak with clarity and conviction. It’s a time to focus not on jargon or platitudes, but on meaningful action rooted in our shared humanity and collective experiences. Now, more than ever, we must remain committed to the work that transforms lives and communities.

The Pushback on DEI

The backlash against DEI initiatives reflects broader societal challenges. Efforts to dismantle DEI frameworks in workplaces, higher education, and public policy reveal the persistence of systemic inequities. These attacks are emblematic of the larger tensions within our democracy, where movements for progress are met with resistance by those seeking to maintain the status quo.

One recent example is the Supreme Court's decision in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard (SFFA), which struck down race-conscious admissions policies in colleges and universities. This decision challenged decades of precedent supporting affirmative action as a tool to address systemic inequities in education. Yet even in dissent, Justice Sonia Sotomayor articulated a powerful truth: “Diversity is now a fundamental American value housed in our varied and multicultural community that only continues to grow.” This truth should embolden us to reframe and recommit. It is an opportunity to ask critical questions, listen to those impacted most, and reshape the conversation to be more inclusive, impactful, and authentic.

Reaffirming the Commitment

Reflecting on my own journey, my commitment to DEI is stronger than ever. From my transition from Broadway to DEI work to leading equity efforts at organizations like Earthjustice and Sidwell Friends School, I’ve seen firsthand how inclusion transforms systems, enhances creativity, and fosters connection. The power of storytelling has been a constant throughline, illustrating that the best DEI work is personal, heartfelt, and rooted in lived experiences.

In this moment, we must act as "possibility models," leading by example to show what is possible when organizations embed equity into their cultural fabric. This requires bold strategies, clear accountability, and a commitment to improving the employee experience in ways that empower everyone to succeed. Data is key—not just to measure progress, but to illuminate where we must go further and faster to meet our goals.

Centering Action and Progress

DEI is not merely a set of initiatives or a checkbox on an organizational to-do list—it is a lifelong commitment to fostering environments where every voice is valued, every story matters, and every individual has the opportunity to thrive. For me, this work honors the resilience and sacrifices of the women who came before me, like my grandmothers, who kept other people’s homes running while building a foundation of strength for their own families. Their quiet perseverance taught me the value of dignity, hard work, and justice, and it is their legacy that drives me to continue this work.

As we move forward, let us do so with intention, purpose, and the determination to create a world that reflects the equity and justice they deserved but were often denied. Together, we can and will ensure that equity is not just an ideal, but a lived reality for all.