DEI and the Grave Fate That Awaits it (Maybe)
The current future of DEI programs and policies awkwardly balances itself on the edge of a red dive board, hand-painted by the Supreme Court, Christian nationalists, and a handful of political action committees. While DEI initiatives have been implemented into corporate spaces and schools, having allowed minorities and underrepresented communities to gain a stronger voice in the room, several key groups are actively sabotaging any future benefits that DEI’s three words entail. DEI, an acronym for diversity, equity, and inclusion, is now a universal term for any employed initiative that aims to better its respective community. When saying DEI in a conversation, people immediately gravitate towards diversity training in the office, the check box allowing you to select a gender, and affirmative action, but it’s broader than that. The Affordable Care Act, Title IX, and the USDA’s Microloan program would all fall under the DEI umbrella. Identifying those who wish to undermine these programs and holding their feet to the fire for their participation in the suppression towards a more just society could ensure the future of DEI.
Leonard Leo is to the Supreme Court as Jim Henson is to the Muppets. A name unfamiliar to the public but one that rings bells in the Capitol, Leonard’s influence has created webs that stem from donors and lead to justices, members of Congress, and presidents. As the current co-chairman of the Federalist Society, Leonard’s plan to bend America to the organization’s will has been developing over the last three decades. Having befriended Clarence Thomas in the early 90s while doing clerkship in an Appeals Court, Leonard’s connections with the Federalist Society and other key stakeholders would see Thomas take his seat on the Supreme Court. This successful nomination only catalyzed Leonard, as he would then assist John Roberts, Samuel Alito, Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh, and Amy Coney Barrett in their positions on the Supreme Court. Six of the nine current justices, all appointed by Republican Presidents, all with marketing and donation traces leading back to Leonard and the Federalist Society. The overturning of Chevron v. USA, a 6-3 decision. Trump v. The United States, a 6-3 decision. All six Federalist Society judges swiftly made both decisions. This push from Leonard toward a less regulated market and an immune President are set in place to benefit the elite and their corporations. As an effect, the masses work longer hours with less pay and no guarantee of social programs and the benefits of DEI-based reforms being available in the near future.
Christian nationalism is the ideology that centers on the belief that the founding fathers built the Constitution on Christian principles. For a Christian nationalist, there is no separation of church and state; instead, the two should be married, and the Bible now serves as the law of the land. Often, the line is blurry between Christian nationalism and White Supremacy, as both groups aim to install an authoritarian government while violently excluding minority groups and any programs that would benefit them (DEI). Former President Donald Trump caters to their need for a flagship. Hosted at the 2024 NRB International Christian Media Convention, Trump salivated the ears of Christian nationalists, saying, “They want to tear down crosses where they can, and cover them up with social justice flags,” “… no one will be touching the cross of Christ under the Trump administration, I swear to you”. There is a mutualistic relationship for both parties: Donald Trump gets a loyal voter base, and Christian nationalists receive an influence in policy making as well as a walking advertisement to help grow their numbers. The executive powers vested in Christian nationalism put former Supreme Court decisions at risk of being overturned. This list includes Brown v. Board of Education, Obergfell v. Hodges, Ricci v. DeStefano, Loving v. Virginia, and more. With the Supreme Court working diligently to reverse the progress of marginalized groups through the overturning of landmark decisions and Christian nationalists following suit by funding campaigns through PACs, the end of DEI may be a reality soon to take place.
Political Action Committees, referred to as PACs, are organizations erected with the sole purpose of funding political campaigns to prevent another candidate from being elected. One PAC making waves in DC is AIPAC, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee. AIPAC has financed hundreds of campaigns since 1963, and in 2022, 304 out of the 435 elected officials had campaigns funded by AIPAC. AIPAC’s hands have made their way into the pockets of many on Capitol Hill. In turn, policies have enabled billions of dollars per year to be sent to Israel, funding the genocide of 30,000+ Palestinians. Using AIPAC to serve as a baseline for how PACs operate and their influence, think of Christian nationalist PACs in the same light. Committees such as the Faith and Freedom Coalition and the National Organization for Marriage (NOM) seek to enact pro-life policies and traditional marriage. Though not as large a committee as AIPAC, the popularity amongst white Americans towards Christian nationalism allows PACs aligned with Christian nationalist objectives to receive more funding and influence more election outcomes.
DEI is facing erasure from every level of the government; however, there may be time to help. Staying informed of what is threatening the principles of DEI and knowing their origin can help combat future legislation and policies, both local and federal. Research and back candidates who don’t accept money from flawed committees and corporations. Advocate for the removal of Christian nationalism in your community. Vote not only in the presidential election but also in local and state elections. Yes, DEI is about to sink, but we can still throw it a rope.