6-minute read

Parents, we know you’re working hard to build a bright future for your children, and part of that means making sure they have the same opportunities as everyone else. But right now, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs—designed to level the playing field—are being cut back in schools, workplaces, and businesses. This impacts Black families the most, but here’s what many don’t realize: DEI doesn’t just help people of color. It also protects and supports white women, veterans, and individuals with disabilities. Many who voted against DEI policies are just now realizing they’ve also put their own families at risk.

Companies are rolling back these programs under political pressure, and that means fewer job opportunities, fewer business contracts for Black-owned companies, and fewer protections for children in schools. We can’t afford to let that happen.

Below, Dr. Vic Baker, Founder and CEO of EquitiFy.us, breaks down why DEI matters and what we can do to fight for a fairer future for all families.

The conversation around DEI has taken an unexpected turn as some individuals who previously opposed it are now realizing its broader impact. Many who voted against DEI policies, believing them to benefit people of color solely, are coming to terms with the fact that DEI also includes white women, individuals with disabilities, and veterans.

This backlash has been fueled by misconceptions and deliberate misinformation, suggesting that DEI efforts are a form of “reverse discrimination.” However, the reality is far from that. DEI benefits everyone. Studies show that companies with diverse teams make better decisions, are more creative, and even perform better financially. When DEI programs are dismantled, it doesn’t just impact marginalized groups—it weakens our workforce and economy as a whole.

The recent national conversations have revealed that many people who supported anti-DEI policies were unaware that these initiatives also protected and benefited groups they belong to. White women, for example, have been among the greatest beneficiaries of affirmative action policies. Veterans and individuals with disabilities also rely on DEI programs to ensure they have equitable access to employment and resources. Without DEI, these groups will face greater hurdles in the workplace and society.

The upcoming Blackout Boycotts targeting companies that have rolled back their DEI commitments are gaining momentum, and early reports show they are already making an impact. From the February 28th Economic Blackout to the Amazon, Walmart, Nestlé, and General Mills boycotts, these actions send a clear message: Consumers demand corporate accountability.

With another Economic Blackout set for April 18th, Black families and allies are using their spending power to push for real change. If you need essentials, consider buying Black or purchasing only what’s necessary while supporting businesses that invest in equity. These efforts prove that when we stand together, we can shift the economy in a way that benefits our communities. Let’s keep the momentum going!

The elimination of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs poses a grave threat to the progress Black families have fought tirelessly to achieve. As someone who grew up in a community shaped by redlining and displaced by policies like eminent domain, I know these barriers aren’t just historical relics—they are active forces that ripple through generations. These policies were not accidents but deliberate, calculated exclusion systems designed to limit where we could live, learn, and thrive. The removal of DEI initiatives risks reinforcing these systems and undoing our progress to dismantle them.

“This is not just about policies; it’s about real people, real families, and real struggles,” said Dr. Baker. “Without DEI, we risk sliding backward into a world where systemic racism remains unchecked and the doors to opportunity remain closed for far too many.”

The Impact on Black Families

Education is a big issue. Many Black children are wrongly labeled as having behavior problems because schools don’t always understand their cultural backgrounds. What should be a call for support becomes a fast track to punishment—suspensions, expulsions, and, for many, the first steps into the school-to-prison pipeline. Without DEI in schools, these problems will only get worse, keeping Black students from getting the help they need. The result? Generations of children are denied the resources and opportunities they need to succeed, further widening the gap in achievement and access.

“Educational equity is a cornerstone of DEI efforts,” Dr. Baker explained. “When we eliminate these programs, we’re telling Black children that their success doesn’t matter. We’re reinforcing disparities instead of addressing them.”

This misdiagnosis issue also disproportionately affects Black families dealing with disabilities. Mental health challenges, learning disabilities, or trauma are too often ignored or misunderstood in our community. The stigma surrounding these issues, combined with systemic bias, leads to a lack of treatment and intervention. Instead of receiving the help they need, these children and their families face cycles of marginalization, poverty, and criminalization. DEI programs help to disrupt these cycles by fostering understanding, equity, and resources that recognize the unique needs of Black students and families.

The Supplier Diversity Connection

Black-owned businesses also face big challenges because of unfair systems. Often driven by DEI initiatives, supplier diversity programs create opportunities for minority-owned businesses to participate in corporate and government contracting. For Black business owners, these opportunities aren’t just about dollars and cents—they are about building generational wealth, creating jobs in our communities, and driving economic empowerment.

“If we remove DEI programs, supplier diversity efforts suffer,” Dr. Baker said. “That means fewer contracts for Black-owned businesses, fewer job opportunities, and a wider economic gap. This isn’t just about fairness; it’s about economic sustainability.”

If DEI programs disappear, Black-owned businesses will struggle even more to get contracts and grow. This isn’t just a loss for these businesses—it is a loss for their communities, which depend on their success in creating opportunities and building economic stability. When Black businesses thrive, communities thrive.

A Future Without DEI

So, what happens if DEI programs are eliminated? We risk sliding back into a world where systemic racism goes unchallenged and where inequities in education, employment, and economic opportunity are accepted as the norm. A world where Black families are left to navigate systems that were never designed to include them, much less uplift them. It is a world I’ve seen before, and it’s one we can’t afford to return to.

“DEI programs are not about exclusion; they are about ensuring that everyone has a fair shot,” Dr. Baker emphasized. “Without them, Black families will continue to face barriers that others never have to think about.”

Credit: This article is based on insights from Dr. Vic Baker, Founder and CEO of EquitiFy.us. Visit EquitiFy.us to learn more about his work.