Push Against DEI Lies
Over the past few years, people in the U.S. have been bombarded with messages that either celebrate or denounce equity. Evaluating the truth of these messages requires self-reflection and courage. This includes looking beyond the sound bites to understand the impacts of words and actions on communities and individuals who haven’t always been centered in U.S. history.
The “in your face” attacks on DEI require people to speak up in ways that may not be the norm or may be uncomfortable. It means engaging in taboo topics that have only been spoken of behind closed doors. The significant changes happening across industries, especially higher education, necessitate that we, as critical thinkers, set ground rules to engage in conversations that define what harm at work looks like and reflect on how we might be contributing to it.
I never planned to be a diversity, equity, and inclusion consultant or coach. I didn’t want to be typecast as the “go-to” person who called out falsehoods about equity and challenged the status quo.
As a scholar, I knew well the literature predicting that, as the only Black woman professor in my department, I’d likely be culturally taxed, meaning I would be the person mentoring students of color or taking on a nurturing role for those seeking guidance. I’d be the one to educate my colleagues as they navigated scenarios involving people of color. When they fumbled, I’d be the one to translate their missteps and restore those harmed by their words and actions. Although these actions were necessary, they wouldn’t translate into compensation in the same vein as research productivity.
I began sharing diversity, equity, and inclusion tips because I didn’t see the blueprint I wanted and needed as a Black woman engineering professor. One of my first “Stop Playing Diversity” newsletters spoke of being a blueprint in professional spaces. I began documenting what was happening in my journey so those who came after me wouldn’t be ambushed on their professional paths.
I now enter every room with boldness and write about difficult DEI topics, not because intimidation is my end game, but because I’ve been given the vision and the grace to lead those who want a blueprint for true justice and freedom at work. The words I speak matter and crack systems of oppression daily.
As a strategic person, I sought a way to monetize the cultural taxation that would likely come my way. If I was going to be labeled an angry Black woman in a capitalistic, patriarchal environment, I at least wanted to be compensated, especially given the wage disparities for Black women in such environments.
Over time, I recognized the brilliance of starting conversations that needed to be happening but weren’t. I turned my unique, outspoken voice into the “Stop Playing Diversity” trademark, digital products, training, and a podcast. I didn’t wait for permission to say what needed to be said, and as a result, my offerings were available before the Racial Reckoning of 2020 and continue to thrive amid the current unapologetic DEI attacks across the U.S.
In your spaces, take my blueprint and tweak it so you can remain true to your values. Distinguish between truth and lies so you can center the humanity of those whose lives are being shifted because of DEI changes.
If you discover that DEI is being weaponized and people are being harmed in your space, here are practical points to guide you.
Bravery isn’t a one-time occurrence or trend.
If you’re going to do this work, commit to it with all that you are. Given the concept of weathering and retaliation, however, use wisdom, be strategic, and conserve your efforts when needed, recognizing the risks associated with pushing against oppressive systems and ways of working.
Research the DEI truth for yourself.
Don’t rely only on what you see or hear. Engage directly with people in conversations about the benefits of DEI. Dig into the history of programs and the organizations’ actions that led to the creation of programs and training. Once you have compiled your information, assess actions for yourself.
Represent your values.
Equity accomplices know that no law will stop justice. When you center humanity, you move based on the needs of people, not political agendas. Nevertheless, push toward equity in ways that reduce harm and ensure justice for all is a possibility for everyone.
I want you to recite the following affirmation:
I do my research to push against DEI lies. By staying informed and proactive, I create a more equitable and inclusive environment where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Let’s continue this conversation with my Stop Playing Diversity podcast. Read more about ways to be bold and remain safe on your equity journey in my my new book, Never Defeated: Nine Lessons from the Workplace Frontlines.
Originally published at https://www.linkedin.com.
