6 Ways to Challenge Anti-DEI Efforts in Your Workplace
The current environment feels like a giant step back for the strides of progress we’ve seen to create a more equitable world. From the attacks on the right to protest in states like Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi; the loss of reproductive rights in Arizona; anti-CRT/DEI movements in over 18 states; and the recent silencing of students and educators organizing across the country - so much of what is happening in our country is interconnected… and unraveling.
It’s terrifying - but something we heard Noura Erakat, a brilliant Palestinian-American activist and scholar, say gives us hope: “justice will come through people.” We believe that solidarity and collective action are a lot stronger than the fear-mongering that our political party leaders use to wield power.
If you feel like DEI movements are being thwarted, shrunk, or silenced in your workspaces here are things to consider:
Look around and remember that you are NOT alone. We will not let the uprisings and progress of 2020 amidst George Floyd go down in vain. Who are my people? Join other movement groups to collectively respond.
Track progress that has been made and remember not all progress can be quantitatively measured, write it down and share it back.
Take a look at this resource on the Different Approaches to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion - even do this exercise as a team, and see how progress has been impacted…What are the current barriers in place? What are ways to be strategic? Who can I talk to?
Remember that we, as individuals, always hold some degree of power. Which of my privileges can be of influence? What power can be accessed? How do I strategically leverage my power?
Don’t stop asking the questions: DEI work existed as resistance work long before there was a corporate label to it. “How can we bring more BIPOC vendors into the space?”, “If there’s no more DEI funding, how can we make it a professional development effort?” and most importantly, “Who’s voices and experiences are we centering?”
Get involved in your local community actions. If trying to build and organize within your workplace is not feeling accessible or safe for you, know that seeds of change for truth and justice are being planted everywhere! Find a local protest, donate to the cause, listen to young people.
Our struggles are interconnected, so our actions must be too.
If you have felt the impact of these tactics, let us know. Share how you are moving through it and what resources or support you need, or are currently helping you. Let’s build our collective resources together.
In love and solidarity always,
Natalie, Kausar, Veline
