DEI Is Not a Luxury – It’s Justice

In 2020, the world witnessed a reckoning. Organizations rushed to release statements on racial justice, launch DEI initiatives, and pledge commitments to equity. For a moment, it seemed like real change might be on the horizon. But now, just a few years later, we are seeing a retreat—companies quietly scaling back their DEI efforts, disbanding diversity teams, and deprioritizing equity work.
This isn’t just disappointing—it’s a stark reminder that, for many, DEI was never about justice. It was about optics. And when the pressure faded, so did their commitment.
Angela J. Carter, Co-Chair of the Anti-Black Racism and Systemic Discrimination Collective of Peel, recently addressed this issue in a LinkedIn post, calling out the performative nature of DEI efforts and the ongoing need for real, systemic change. Here’s what she had to say:

(Originally published on LinkedIn by Angela J. Carter)

I feared that the widespread adoption of DEI frameworks in 2020 was, for many, a knee-jerk reaction to the murder of George Floyd and the global reckoning on racial injustice that followed. Sadly, I was right. Corporations scrambled to issue statements, create initiatives, and hire diversity officers—not necessarily out of a deep understanding of or commitment to DEI, but because they feared being left out or publicly criticized. It was, for many, about optics rather than true change.
This bandwagon approach lacked substance. Instead of embedding DEI as a fundamental principle of their operations, many organizations treated it as a temporary campaign. They missed the essence of DEI: it is not a trend, nor is it a branding tool. It is a long-term commitment to dismantling systemic discrimination and fostering fairness and inclusion. By extension, it is a commitment to justice.
This lack of genuine belief is part of why we are seeing a retreat from DEI now – cowardly retreat I say. For organizations that never truly internalized its purpose, it is easier to abandon these efforts under pressure. But for those who understand its value, DEI is non-negotiable. It is not about checking a box—it is about building better, stronger and more just organizations and communities.
The principles of diversity, equity and inclusion are not luxuries or “nice-to-haves.” They are essential for creating a just and caring world. When biases and prejudices are allowed to fester, we all lose. But when the true ideal of DEI is embraced, society becomes richer, more vibrant and more innovative.
Justice is not about favoritism; it is about fairness. Removing systemic barriers is not about giving an unfair advantage; it is about restoring balance. DEI is a  framework for unlocking human potential, recognizing talent and fostering a society where everyone has a chance to thrive.
The pushback against DEI is disheartening, but it should serve as a reminder that progress is never linear. The work of dismantling inequities and fostering inclusion is ongoing, and it requires courage, persistence and clarity of purpose.
Let us not lose sight of why DEI matters. It is not a trend. It is a commitment to justice, creativity and the shared humanity that binds us all. The question is not whether we can afford to embrace the principles of DEI but whether we can afford not to.

Join the Conversation!

The rollback of DEI efforts raises critical questions:
What is your understanding of DEI?
Why do you think organizations are rolling back their DEI programs?
Should we hold organizations accountable for their DEI pledges?
What does real, lasting DEI work look like?
Let’s continue this discussion. Share your thoughts in the comments or join the conversation.