Stand Strong: Defending DEI in the Face of Adversity

Photo by Brittani Burns on Unsplash

In the relentless storm of attacks on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA), the Inclusion Allies Coalition (IAC) issues a resounding call to action. Our industry, our values, and our very mission are under siege. From calculated assaults on educators to baseless smears against practitioners, the battleground stretches across every sector of society.

Initially, the barrage focused on vilifying Critical Race Theory (CRT), a deliberate distortion propagated by extremists aiming to poison public perception. Their weapon? Fear. Fear of change, of progress, of confronting uncomfortable truths. But we refuse to be silenced by their misinformation campaigns.

The attacks have now reached fever pitch, emboldened by influential figures and amplified through mainstream channels. Billionaires wield their influence, attributing societal ills to DEIA efforts, spreading fear and division. African American scholars face scrutiny and censure, while institutions buckle under the pressure, scaling back diversity initiatives and silencing dissent.

Yet amidst this onslaught, we stand firm. We stand for the data, which unequivocally demonstrates the value of DEIA in driving innovation, fostering inclusive cultures, and delivering tangible business results. We stand for the majority of Americans who support…