The removal of diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives has sparked a nationwide conversation about the future of diversity in educational spaces and the workforce. This issue has gained significant attention, especially in the wake of political changes that have seen policies to dismantle DEI programs being implemented in schools, universities and workplaces.
According to BestColleges, over 55 percent of students would consider transferring if their college abolished DEI programs, highlighting the importance of these initiatives in students’ decisions to remain at their institutions.
For many students, the removal of DEI initiatives represents more than just a policy change; it symbolizes a broader effort to undo progress in fostering inclusive environments for historically marginalized communities.
Students most affected by the removal of DEI initiatives are particularly vocal about their concerns. These programs have long provided crucial support systems for underrepresented groups, such as Black, Latins, and LGBTQ+ students. DEI initiatives have been instrumental in addressing systemic inequities and fostering an environment where all students can thrive. Removing these programs leaves many students feeling disheartened as they worry about the long-term implications for inclusivity and equality.
Kierra Reed, a senior at FAMU, says she feels this is a major setback. “Now we have to work harder for the things we deserve. DEI was made to give us opportunities, and now they’re gone,” she said.
This sentiment reflects a broader frustration among students who rely on these initiatives to ensure they have the resources and support needed to excel in higher education. Without DEI programs, students from marginalized communities are left to navigate systems that were never designed to meet their needs.
In addition to the loss of critical support structures, students are deeply concerned about the broader cultural impact of removing DEI initiatives. The restrictions on teaching Black history in schools and the ban on “woke” books signal a larger trend toward stifling conversations about race, identity, and systemic oppression.
Skylar Rowley, a senior at FAMU, mentioned that removal is a way to keep everyone uneducated, Reed said.
“I think it is a systematic procedure to keep the fact that marginalized communities bring good to our society,” Rowley said. “They’re trying to keep our education system general.”
These changes in education, coupled with the dismantling of DEI policies in the workplace, have left many students feeling uncertain about their futures. The workforce has seen similar changes, with many companies reevaluating their diversity and inclusion efforts. Marginalized students fear that without DEI initiatives, hiring practices may revert to favoring candidates from traditional or mainstream backgrounds, potentially overlooking highly qualified individuals from underrepresented communities.
Despite these challenges, some students believe the removal of DEI programs could create space for a more organic approach to diversity.
The removal of DEI programs has profound implications for the future of education and workforce diversity. As students navigate this new reality, they are left grappling with the uncertainty of a system that may no longer prioritize inclusivity.