During his first week in office, President Donald Trump issued multiple executive orders targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. On January 21, 2025, he issued an executive order titled “Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity.” DEI protects citizens from discrimination based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity in employment. Yet since Trump made an executive order to remove this, employers can now deny people jobs based on their identities.
How does this affect American citizens?
The absence of diversity, equity, and inclusion will primarily affect citizens in education and the workplace. For instance, in the workplace, DEI promotes diversity in hiring and ensures a more inclusive workplace culture and equal opportunities for minorities. Without diversity, equity, and inclusion within the workplace, minority employees may feel unsupported. Additionally, employers may interpret the removal of DEI as permission to discriminate against employees based on their identities and deny them employment. This can establish a less collaborative and equitable workplace, which can lead to fewer employment opportunities.
The absence of DEI also affects education. DEI can shape learning environments and prepare students to engage in diverse worlds. Having diverse classrooms can bring a variety of student experiences, perspectives, and ideas. This way, students are encouraged to question their assumptions and gain a deeper understanding of the subjects they are learning. DEI is incorporated into many curricula, primarily in social studies and language arts. In the absence of DEI, this curricula would be removed, along with their associated resources, such as articles, textbooks, and books. Educators would also be unable to teach topics involving diversity and inclusion, which significantly impact the social studies curriculum.
What can you do to help?
One way to show your support for DEI is by participating in protests. For example, an event was held at the Renton Highlands Library on June 7, 2025, by the organization Teach Truth Day of Education. This event featured multiple activities, including lessons from teachers and gallery walks with their accompanying independent lessons. Attending events like these will show your support for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and increase the chances of it continuing to be taught in our country.
Sources:
