Why is DEI being attacked by the Far Right this Year?
As a Human Resources Consultant and DEI Thought Leader, I find myself deeply concerned about the growing attacks on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives by the far right. This year, we have witnessed a concerning surge in efforts to undermine and discredit the important work being done to create a more inclusive and equitable society. In this article, I will explore the reasons behind these attacks and shed light on the motivations of those who seek to hinder our progress toward a more diverse and just America.
The far right is currently waging what can only be described as a culture war rooted in fear and grievance. They believe that by sowing discord and creating tension among people who feel threatened by the increasing demographic diversity in America, they can expand their conservative base. Their lack of exposure to individuals from diverse backgrounds has led to fear, bias, and bigotry, further exacerbating their discomfort with the changing landscape of American society.
One of the catalysts for their heightened anxiety is the recent influx of black and brown people at the southern border. This has accelerated their fear and intensified their desire to prevent the entrance of these individuals into the United States. They view this demographic shift as a threat to their vision of America.
It is important to recognize that the far right’s agenda is not solely focused on white nationalism. They also aim to sway those with centrist views on demographic shifts in American society to their cause. They perceive DEI programs and initiatives that promote a sense of belonging and inclusion as forms of indoctrination rather than steps toward fostering inclusive cultures. These programs are essential in creating a balanced view of society where there is room for everyone, but the far right believes that they erode traditional white Anglo-Saxon Protestant religious values.
Furthermore, the far right is opposed to exposing children to the lived experiences and historical injustices of marginalized communities in schools. They fear that such exposure may cultivate empathy, ultimately leading to a more progressive mindset among the younger generation. Their attempts to remove books and other educational resources that discuss cultural differences serve to mitigate the growth of a more inclusive perspective.
A disturbing belief among many of these activists is the concept of the “Replacement Theory.” They see interracial relationships and increasing acceptance of diverse sexual orientations as a threat to what they perceive as the purity of America’s bloodline. This misguided notion fuels their actions, even though some of them are descendants of immigrants from European and Asian countries.
In addition to their opposition to demographic shifts, the far right takes a hardline stance against democratic values. They lack sympathy for the struggles of marginalized communities, support white nationalism, and resist efforts to diversify leadership roles and democracy itself.
DEI programs are a particular target for the far right because they focus on increasing diversity in educational institutions and businesses. These programs demonstrate how diversity enhances organizational outcomes and engagement. Since bias and bigotry are integral to the far-right extremist mindset, any initiatives that promote empathy and inclusivity are perceived as threats to their mission. They actively seek to marginalize individuals and organizations that champion DEI, attempting to undermine their influence and status as role models.
These extremists are attacking the cornerstone programs of civil rights and justice, including affirmative action, pipeline programs, scholarship initiatives, employee resource groups, inclusive leadership programs, cultural awareness education, literature by diverse authors, non-Protestant/Christian faiths, and corporations and their leaders committed to diversity and inclusion.
Their efforts are highly targeted and designed to appear reasonable to the average person, but beneath the surface lies a fervent desire to diminish the influence and power of groups and individuals they view as the “other” or as “less than.”
What is especially troubling is that many of these far-right efforts, once concealed, have become mainstream, with political leaders like Ron DeSantis and former President Trump attacking DEI efforts by labeling them as “woke.” Their strategy involves employing propaganda and misinformation to generate emotional reactions and sway those on the borderline to their extremist agenda.
The fear generated by these attacks strikes at the very heart of the U.S. Constitution and its founding principles. However, such extremism is willing to undermine these principles in order to install authoritarian and fascist leadership that shows no mercy to those who do not adhere to their fundamental beliefs and cultural values. In doing so, they threaten to unravel the very fabric that has made America the diverse and vibrant nation it is today. We must remain vigilant and continue to champion the cause of DEI, for it is essential to preserving the values and ideals that define our great nation.
Effenus Henderson
