DEI Underattack

Being a BLACK WOMEN in 2025

I have many frustrations about DEI being removed from school systems and university/college systems because I am Black and a woman who wants to work in higher education. It makes it hard to determine where you want to work and apply for jobs when you are a minority, and the workforce has not been equitable and inclusive to your people. Now that we are reverting back to the olden days, I look for a slight diversity statement or office in schools; even if they are using clever language, there is still hope. Now, yes, I may be a little all over the place, but it's because this affects a lot of people, and it’s hard to comprehend that the USA has come so far for the orange peel slice to set us back AGES! Feel like the world is spinning backward to go back in time and we can not stop it.

I only brought this up because recently, my supervisor and I changed our titles to give us a shield of protection while we continue to do our work. However, there are articles coming out saying that higher education has two weeks to stop the DEI initiative “or else”. Of course from school to school there is probably no solution currently and could very much not affect us but what in the cheeseburger happy meal (what funny about that is McDonalds supported the orange peel slice). They are taking away spaces and ways minorities feel included and safe while attending their chosen university or college.

I never thought I’d see the world go backward or repeat history, but it is so hard not to be afraid. But I will keep my head held high and continue to do my work.