On President Trump’s first day back in office, he signed a list of executive orders that single-handedly dismantled all Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs in the federal government and affirmative action in federal contracting. The order demands that every federal agency stop any and all initiatives related to diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility, including any offices or job positions specifically dedicated to advancing DEI, DEI-related websites, and any partnerships with outside organizations that provide DEI resources. The Trump Administration justifies this decision by claiming it is in alignment with Trump’s campaign promise of ridding all “illegal and immoral discrimination programs” and return to merit-based hiring.
The ‘Why” Behind DEI
DEI was originally created in the 1960’s around the same time as the civil rights movement. It’s purpose was to assure that historically discriminated groups such as minorities and the disabled, are given a fair chance at attaining job opportunities and fair treatment in the workplace. The DEI website paints a detailed picture of each aspect of diversity, equality, and inclusion follows:
“Diversity refers to the presence of variety within the organizational workforce including identity, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, age, culture, class, religion, or opinion. Equity refers to concepts of fairness and justice, such as fair compensation and substantive equality. More specifically, equity usually also includes a focus on societal disparities and allocating resources and “decision making authority to groups that have historically been disadvantaged”, and taking “into consideration a person’s unique circumstances, adjusting treatment accordingly so that the end result is equal.” Finally, inclusion refers to creating an organizational culture that creates an experience where “all employees feel their voices will be heard”, and a sense of belonging and integration.”
With the institution of DEI and Affirmative Action taking up societal space, many changes took place. Enrollment of minority students at majority white schools increased. Corporations and businesses began to hire a larger number of minorities and disabled persons, ultimately improving their income and family structures. A portion of the DEI website states, “We have programs in place for those marginalized or under-served communities; allowing them to step up to become empowered leaders who can change the world. We are proud to create tangible, actin-focused solutions to often unspoken tensions and disparities in the workplace.” Supporters of the DEI saw these changes as a major improvement to families’ who would otherwise not have a chance to provide for themselves without these opportunities. The DEI laid the groundwork needed to not only make room for those who were grossly overlooked, but also provided training to companies. Training programs include topics such as cultural competency, inclusivity, microaggression awareness, and addressing all-around workplace culture.
Helpful or Harmful?
Despite the seemingly positive motives of DEI programs for everyone, naysayers believe their policies and methods actually creates more discrimination within the workplace.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement Tuesday night, “President Trump campaigned on ending the scourge of DEI from our federal government and returning America to a merit based society where people are hired based on their skills, not for the color of their skin. This is another win for Americans of all races, religions, and creeds. Promises made, promises kept.”
Business owner, and philanthropist Bill Ackman is known for his billion dollar worth and high price investments. He recently posted a 4000-word monologue on X, the app formerly known as Twitter, criticizing and belittlingly the DEI’s practices, calling it reverse racism.
“DEI is racist because reverse racism, is racism, even if it is against white people. Racism against white people has become considered acceptable by many not to be racism; or alternatively , it is deemed as acceptable racism. While this is of course absurd, it has become the prevailing view in many universities around the country.” Ackman continued on to state, “I have always believed that diversity is an important feature of a successful organization, but by diversity I mean diversity in its broadest form: diversity of viewpoints, politics, ethnicity, race, age, religion, experience, socioeconomic background, sexual identity, gender, one’s upbringing, and more. What I learned, however, was that the DEI was not about diversity in its purest form, but rather DEI was a political advocacy movement on behalf of certain groups that are deemed oppressed under DEI’s own methodology.”
The head of the new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), Elon Musk, openly agreed with Ackman’s opinion by reposting it with the caption, “DEI is just another word for racism. Shame on anyone who uses it.” Musk then doubled down just a few days later by reposting another person who accused the high operational costs of the DEI as the reason California couldn’t afford proper preparation during their recent fires. Musk’s input on this statement was “DEI means people die.” Both statements posted by Musk were highly criticized by the public who deemed it as insensitive. Despite the judgement, Musk maintained his opinion that the DEI causes more harm than good, and not only impedes on people’s rights but is a huge cost that he intends to litigate.
Cost of Operations – Cause and Effect
According to the White House, the purpose of the new Department of Government Efficiency is to implement the President’s DOGE Agenda by modernizing Federal technology and software to maximize government efficiency and productivity. The House of Representatives’ Committee on Education and Workforce reported that the Department of Education spent $1 billion on school-affiliated DEI programs alone. In less than 30 days of Trump’s presidency, the shutdown of DEI programs has caused a ripple-effect from the top of the federal chain, down to hourly workers. The Trump Administration ordered for all federal employees in DEI roles to be put on administrative leave through a memo from the Office of Personnel Management. The memo also requested that federal agencies give a written plan for dismissing their employees by January 31, 2025. Major retail brands have been criticized for their quick compliance with what some deem to be a huge mistake. Meta, Target, Walmart, McDonalds, Amazon, Lowe’s, Ford, and Harley-Davidson are just a few of the growing number of companies hoping on board to relieve themselves from diversity training.
Civil rights attorney Nekima Levy Armstrong spoke at a conference in Minneapolis about their decision to leave DEI policies behind, encouraging the public to boycott Target moving forward. “For decades, Target has benefitted from nearly unfettered support from Minnesota residents, families and consumers all around the country. In the past, Target was known for its diversity initiatives and reputation for supporting diverse communities. Now Target has shown its true face by deciding to roll back its focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion by putting profits and politics over people.”
