No Retreat: Resilience and Advocacy in the New Era of DEI Challenges

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As diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practitioners, we stand at a critical crossroad. The political climate has shifted sharply, and with the re-emergence of figures like President Trump—who has begun following through with his threat to dismantle DEI initiatives and label them as divisive—our work is under direct threat. His proposed plans to ban diversity training and roll back equity-focused policies are a stark reminder of how fragile progress can be.

In the face of such opposition, the question is not whether we continue this work, but how we resist, innovate, and advocate even more effectively.

The New Reality of DEI Resistance

Trump’s rhetoric reflects a growing backlash against DEI efforts, which he and others in his camp describe as unnecessary or even harmful. This emboldens those who view diversity initiatives as an attack on tradition rather than an essential step toward equity. For practitioners, this means navigating heightened scrutiny, reduced funding, and a political narrative that undermines the very essence of inclusion.

This backlash is not just a challenge to DEI professionals—it is a challenge to the values of fairness, justice, and opportunity that underpin our societies.

"Neutrality is not an option. DEI practitioners must call out harmful policies and rhetoric explicitly, articulating why inclusion is essential and how regressive policies harm marginalised communities and society at large."

How DEI Practitioners Must Respond

In times like these, complacency is not an option. We can’t assume those who ‘know better’ will ‘do better’. To counteract these regressive forces, we must:

1. Double Down on the Evidence: DEI is not a ‘nice-to-have’; it’s a business and societal imperative. Collect and use hard data and case studies to prove the tangible value of DEI work. Whether it’s increased employee retention, greater innovation, or stronger organisational reputation, the numbers are still on our side.

2. Speak Louder and More Clearly: Neutrality is not an option. Silence is complicity. DEI practitioners must call OUT harmful policies and rhetoric explicitly and call people IN to support them to do better. Use platforms—whether within organisations or in public forums—to articulate why DEI work is essential and how regressive policies harm marginalised communities and society at large.

3. Build Collective Power: Now is the time to organise. Connect with local, national, and global networks to amplify your efforts. Whether it’s forming alliances with like-minded organisations or joining initiatives like SLS 360’s I.D.E.A.L Network, strength lies in solidarity.

4. Hold Organisations Accountable: Many companies have issued public commitments to diversity in recent years. It’s time to demand they stand by those promises. If your organisation wavers in its commitment under external pressure, challenge leadership directly and remind them of their stated values.

5. Be Unapologetically Bold: DEI work cannot tiptoe around discomfort. The backlash we face now underscores the urgency of addressing inequity head-on. It’s time to lean into courageous conversations, advocate for systemic change, and disrupt the status quo.

Look to the future with Hope

President Trump’s plans represent more than a political shift—they are an attack on the principles of equity and justice. DEI practitioners cannot afford to simply weather the storm. We must fight back with resilience, creativity, and unwavering conviction.

“We are not just professionals doing a job; we are advocates for a fairer future. The stakes have never been higher, but neither has the potential for impactful change.”

This means equipping ourselves with the tools to thrive in hostile environments, finding allies in unexpected places, and never underestimating the power of our collective voice. It also means finding hope in resistance. History shows that the most transformative social movements have risen from moments of intense opposition.

We are not just professionals doing a job; we are advocates for a fairer future. The stakes have never been higher, but neither has the potential for impactful change.

Here at SLS 360, this moment fuels our determination. It reminds us why we do this work. So let it inspire you too to rise stronger, bolder, and more committed than ever before.

For more on how SLS 360 can support your organisation and for more information on the I.D.E.A.L Network, visit www.sls360.org 

This blog post was written by Samantha Stimpson, CEO at SLS 360.