Breaking Barriers: Surviving the DEI Rollback and Pushing Forward

It’s no surprise to anyone that racism is alive and well in America, and it feels like it’s getting louder with each passing year. But why? Why is it that in a country that claims to offer equal opportunities for all, we still have to fight for basic rights and respect? This isn’t just a rhetorical question. It’s real, and it affects people — like me — every single day. And in light of recent decisions, I can’t help but reflect on the systemic obstacles that persist in workplaces, businesses, and even the government. These actions aren’t just disappointing — they’re a step backward. Let’s take a closer look.

It didn’t take long after President Trump’s inauguration for his administration to roll back measures aimed at addressing racial inequality. Within the first week, he signed an executive order to cease all Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs in the federal government, claiming that such initiatives were “divisive” and “un-American.” Sure, the decision didn’t outright repeal the Civil Rights Act of 1964, but it severely weakened its intent by eliminating programs designed to combat systemic racism in the workplace. This move didn’t just apply to federal programs but trickled down to private companies as well. Target, a company once at the forefront of DEI, recently announced it would be dropping its DEI program. So…