As we enter this Black History Month, we confront one of the greatest contrasts of our time. We celebrate Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his timeless “I Have a Dream” speech, a call for racial equity and unity. We also witness President Donald Trump take action to dismantle decades of progress by targeting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives in the federal government.
President Biden had embraced the belief that a more diverse and inclusive workforce would better serve the American people. Yet, with the stroke of a pen, President Trump abruptly reversed course. Last week, he issued an executive order terminating “illegal DEI and ‘diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility’ (DEIA) mandates, policies, programs, preferences, and activities in the Federal Government, under whatever name they appear.” The next day, he issued another executive order revoking longstanding directives, including Lyndon B. Johnson’s nondiscriminatory hiring order for government contractors and Bill Clinton’s environmental justice mandate for low-income and minority communities.
DEI commitments
Following the murder of George Floyd in May 2020, corporate America embarked on an unprecedented wave of DEI commitments. Companies pledged an estimated $50 billion or more to address systemic racism, promote equity, and support marginalized communities. These efforts included donations, internal diversity programs, investments in Black-owned businesses, and partnerships with nonprofits advocating for racial justice.
However, this “racial awakening” soon faced mounting opposition from a coalition of conservative groups, politicians, and media figures, culminating in a widespread backlash against DEI initiatives.
The Anti-DEI Backlash
The resistance to DEI has been driven by a network of organizations, ideologies, and individuals seeking to challenge these initiatives politically, legally, and culturally. Conservative advocacy organizations, such as the Heritage Foundation, criticized DEI as ideologically biased “wokeism” and harmful to business efficiency. Groups like the National Center for Public Policy Research pressured corporations to abandon DEI through shareholder activism and campaigns against Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) policies.
State and local politicians also played a pivotal role. Republican leaders in Florida and Texas, such as Governor Ron DeSantis, targeted DEI policies in public universities and restricted race-conscious hiring practices. These efforts often framed DEI as divisive and harmful to meritocratic principles, with threats of regulatory or economic consequences for businesses that embraced such policies.
Conservative legal organizations, including the Pacific Legal Foundation and Alliance Defending Freedom, actively litigated against DEI, challenging affirmative action and race-conscious hiring as unconstitutional. Influential think tanks and researchers, such as Christopher Rufo of the Manhattan Institute, further shaped the anti-DEI narrative, portraying DEI and Critical Race Theory (CRT) as threats to American values.
Conservative media outlets, including Fox News and Daily Wire, amplified these messages, often framing DEI as a Marxist or anti-American agenda. Commentators like Tucker Carlson and Ben Shapiro argued that DEI harms business cohesion and social unity. Grassroots organizations like Moms for Liberty targeted DEI in education, claiming it indoctrinates children or promotes division.
Additionally, shareholder groups leveraged financial power to combat DEI initiatives. Organizations like the National Center for Public Policy Research purchased shares in corporations to challenge DEI policies.
White Christian nationalism has also fueled opposition to DEI. This ideology views DEI as a direct challenge to a traditional American identity centered on whiteness and Christianity. By promoting inclusivity and addressing systemic inequities, DEI is seen as undermining white, Christian, and heterosexual norms. White Christian nationalists oppose multiculturalism, deny systemic inequities, and view DEI reforms as unnecessary or even unpatriotic. DEI initiatives addressing issues such as gender equity and LGBTQ+ inclusion clash with their conservative religious beliefs, further intensifying resistance.
Reversal of DEI Initiatives
Under pressure from this coalition, several corporations have scaled back their DEI commitments. Walmart reduced its DEI training programs and public initiatives after facing backlash from conservative consumers and policymakers. McDonald’s took a more cautious approach to DEI programming following lawsuits alleging reverse discrimination. Twitter, under Elon Musk, dismantled its DEI team as part of broader efforts to curb perceived ideological influence. Disney downsized its DEI division after political clashes, particularly in Florida, and Google significantly cut its DEI staff in 2023, citing budget concerns.
The rise and subsequent decline of DEI efforts reflect a deeper ideological battle over America’s identity and future. While DEI programs aim to create a more inclusive and equitable society, opponents seek to maintain a hierarchical and exclusionary vision of the country.
As corporations recalibrate their strategies in response to this backlash, the debate over DEI highlights persistent tensions surrounding race, power, and culture in the United States. Ultimately, the survival of DEI efforts will depend on how companies, policymakers, and communities navigate these deeply entrenched divisions.
Ed Gaskin is Executive Director of Greater Grove Hall Main Streets and founder of Sunday Celebrations.