Keeping DEI Alive – I need your support!

 

It has been some time since I last wrote, as I’ve been reflecting on the shifting landscape in the wake of this past January’s change in U.S. federal leadership. I will be honest—the transition has left me feeling angry, disappointed, hurt, and deeply disheartened. From an equity and inclusion lens, I am appalled by the attack on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) training. In my March 30, 2024 blog, I wrote about the growing backlash against DEI. Unfortunately, things have only worsened.

This year alone, both the federal government and corporations have aggressively scaled back their DEI initiatives, including:

 

Federal Government Actions

·        President Trump issued several executive orders, such as "Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing" and "Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity," aiming to dismantle DEI programs across federal agencies.

·        The Department of Education has removed DEI-related guidance documents and placed employees leading DEI initiatives on leave.

·        The Foreign Service has eliminated DEI considerations from tenure and promotion criteria.

 

Corporate Actions

·        Many companies have begun reversing their DEI policies, even halting support for initiatives like social awareness parades and events.

·        John Deere, among others, has reassessed its DEI policies, including training programs and business resource groups.

·        Some shareholder proposals seeking to dismantle DEI efforts have been overwhelmingly rejected—but even facing resistance, corporate DEI support is wavering.

 

The Illusion of Meritocracy

The justification for these rollbacks? A renewed emphasis on merit-based promotions—so-called meritocracy. But anyone from a marginalized community will tell you: meritocracy has never truly existed.

In my training sessions, I frequently ask participants, “How many of you know someone who landed a job because of who they knew?” Nearly every hand goes up. Is that meritocracy? Did the best candidate get the job, or did the most connected candidate?

On paper, meritocracy sounds fair, but the reality is far different. Hiring decisions—especially for high-level positions—often involve politics, privilege, and access. Without intentional efforts to level the playing field, meritocracy remains an illusion.

 

A Crossroads for DEI—and My Business

As a woman-owned, minority-owned business whose mission is DEI, I now find myself at a crossroads. The vilification of DEI has silenced phones, emptied inboxes, and stalled engagement. Organizations fear backlash for offering DEI training, despite local and state governments and private companies still having the autonomy to do so.

I know that diversity, equity, and inclusion training is essential—it's why I founded my business in 2014. Over the past eleven years, I have trained more than 100 businesses and community organizations, fostering awareness and equity. Diversity strengthens us all. It’s the foundation of the United States’ greatness.

But now, I ask you: Is DEI training still important to you? If the answer is yes, then I need you to act.

 

How You Can Help

I must raise $30,000 in the next 60 days to keep my business open. Your donation will help with recurring operating expenses, the purchase of capital equipment, and research to assist with training development. Here’s how you can support:

 

·        Business owners/Management/Political leaders: Schedule a diversity training, a diversity audit, an equity and inclusion document review, or DEI coaching for yourself or an employee.

·        Employees: Advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives at your workplace. If DEI isn’t in this year’s budget, push for inclusion in the 2026 budget or make a personal donation.

 

You can view my training and consulting services on my website offerings tab here: https://www.distinctivevoiceconsulting.com/

 

Ways to Support in Lieu of Scheduling a Service:

1.     Send a donation by check to Distinctive Voice Consulting, P.O. Box 31822, Bellingham, WA 98228-9998

2.     Donate via Venmo: @Kharris2010 (last 4 digits: 8114)

3.     Donate via PayPal: Distinctive Voice Consulting

4.     Donate via Cash App: $kzharris2010

5.     Donate via Zelle: (Please contact me for phone number)

 

If you cannot donate, please share this blog with someone who might be able to help.

Every act of support matters. Resistance can look like keeping a DEI business afloat in the face of adversity.

 

I appreciate anything you can do. Together, we can push back against the tide and keep equity, inclusion, and diversity alive.

 

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