The world is changing. DEI can’t be ignored.

In case you haven’t heard, Alabama is the latest state to sign legislation prohibiting public schools and universities from maintaining or funding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. The law, also known as SB129 , will go into effect on October 1, 2024.?

In addition to preventing the funding of DEI offices in publicly funded education institutions, this bill will require bathroom designations based on biological sex based on the individual’s birth certificate vs. gender identity and does not allow the mandated training of employees, students, or contractors in DEI topics that are considered “divisive.”?

Divisive is defined as (verbatim text from the bill):

• That any race, color, religion, sex, ethnicity, or national origin is inherently superior or inferior.?
• That individuals should be discriminated against or adversely treated because of their race, color, religion, sex, ethnicity, or national origin.?
• That the moral character of an individual is determined by his or her race, color, religion, sex, ethnicity, or national origin.?
• That, by virtue of an individual's race, color, religion, sex, ethnicity, or national origin, the individual is inherently racist, sexist, or oppressive, whether consciously or subconsciously.?
• That individuals, by virtue of race, color, religion, sex, ethnicity, or national origin, are inherently responsible for actions committed in the past by other members of the same race, color, religion, sex, ethnicity, or national origin.?
• That fault, blame, or bias should be assigned to members of a race, color, religion, sex, ethnicity, or national origin, on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, ethnicity, or national origin.?
• That any individual should accept, acknowledge, affirm, or assent to a sense of guilt, complicity, or a need to apologize on the basis of his or her race, color, religion, sex, ethnicity, or national origin.?
• That meritocracy or traits such as a hard work ethic are racist or sexist.

As a result of this bill, DEI offices around the state have been effectively dismantled, following the actions of Texas and Florida, which have enacted similar legislation.?

Recently, the NAACP issued an advisory letter to current and prospective Black Student Athletes who are part of the NCAA and considering future enrollment options, advising them to steer clear of primarily white institutions (PWI) in Florida, specifically stating:

"Florida's rampant anti-Black policies are a direct threat to the advancement of our young people and their ability to compete in a global economy. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are paramount to ensuring equitable and effective educational outcomes. The value Black and other college athletes bring to large universities is unmatched. If these institutions are unable to completely invest in those athletes, it's time they take their talents elsewhere. The NAACP will remain unwavering in our efforts to hold Governor Ron DeSantis and all oppressive elected officials accountable for their attempts to unravel our democracy."?

To say the landscape is only continuing to become more charged is an understatement. As a former corporate DEI leader, it was part of my job to monitor the ongoing legislation around the country, track trends, and analyze these patterns.?

Here is what I think we’re seeing:

Florida, Texas, and Alabama are trying to push us back into an era, a time, and a box that has not existed since the early 20th century. The exceptional amount of white fragility and lack of accountability that I see outlined under the “divisive” topics listed in this bill disappoints but doesn’t surprise me. This manifests the statement, “When they show you who they are, believe them.”?

However, what these legislators have failed to account for are four things:

1. The global majority is more educated than ever before, and with that education, we’re now able to unleash our collective potential, talent, and innovation to solve problems together.
2. Many of us practice a collectivist mindset. In other words, when you rise, I rise. If we’re collaborating, it's hard to compete. So many people have suffered under modern systems and are willing to work toward something different together.
3. We have choices now. Thanks to increased technical advances, the ability to work from anywhere, and our talents, choices abound. If I were an NCAA athlete, I’d seriously reconsider whether a Florida school was the right place for me.
4. Gen Z. If you’re not scared, you’re silly. I’m a big fan of this generation; they’re our changemakers because they’re not seeing significant benefits from today’s society. They’re much more compassionate, politically activated, and technologically advanced.

Ultimately, I believe this country is hurting, and we’ve been hurting for hundreds of years. These attempts to outlaw and legislate away uncomfortable conversations signify a lack of willingness to reckon and be accountable for the wrongdoings of the past.?

What if instead, we chose to face the past? What if we recognized that colonialism and the things our forefathers did had an incredibly damaging effect on how we exist today? It would be the first step in a long road toward healing, but it would be in the right direction.

I highly recommend reading Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents by Isabel Wilkerson. It will help you think about how bills like this continue to support the animosity running deep in the United States.

It can feel disheartening to hear of bills like this being passed. If you're feeling like this, I'd like to offer a word of encouragement. This work is akin to a marathon, not a sprint. In a marathon, you're bound to see setbacks, just like this one. Does that mean we've slid back all the way? No. It just means that we've got to dig deep back into our values to find the energy to forge ahead more. Our kids our counting on us. We're counting on us. And I believe that we can get through this latest cycle of pushback. ??

Rising Leaders Program Logo!

I'm SO excited to share the new logo for my flagship program, Rising Leaders! Drum roll, please....

Isn't she a beaut?! A HUGE shoutout to the ladies of my current cohort for providing input and feedback into the design. I am passionate about reflecting women from all walks of life in this logo and look forward to supporting many more women in the years to come.

Speaking of...

Rising Leaders is still enrolling for the April cohort! This will be the only opportunity to participate until the end of the summer. The next cohort will run in August. If you're curious about the program, what it entails, and how you can start developing your leadership skills, learn more here or setup a time for us to chat here .

Do you know someone who would LOVE this program? Share it with them! The more the merrier. ??

Missed the LinkedIn Live last week?

I had the opportunity to chat with my wonderful friend Flo Nicolas, J.D. about layoffs, return to office mandates and the impact on mental health. If you weren't able to make it, no worries! The replay is available for you to watch here . Check it out!