What is the DEI program?

The term “DEI” stands for diversity, equity, and inclusion. It refers to programs and policies implemented to promote representation and participation of diverse groups and individuals.

How does the DEI program impact local schools?

DEI programs can help ensure that diverse voices are heard and that students have access to positive role models who share their backgrounds. This program also creates a more inclusive environment for students of all backgrounds, which can better support their needs.

How about the work environment?

DEI programs can create safe spaces for employees to share their experiences and concerns, fostering open communication and dialogue. This also helps eliminate the possibility of someone being denied a job due to their religion, race, or disabilities. DEI programs also prioritize accessibility, ensuring that buildings, public transportation, and digital platforms are designed to be usable by people with a wide range of disabilities.

How is this impacting our community?

With our president, Donald Trump, signing the executive order to terminate the DEI program by claiming it’s “wasteful,” you begin to see a widespread rejection of this idea of inclusion by local businesses and schools. You see this in schools like Ivy Tech Community College in Indiana, the University of Texas at Dallas, the University of North Florida, and Northern Kentucky University. Similarly, this is happening in local businesses like Meta, Google, Amazon, McDonald’s, Walmart, etc. This is negatively impacting both the 33% of people who work in a DEI workspace and the people who rely on it. Ultimately, it resulted in thousands of people losing their jobs.

How can this impact the youth?

With the DEI program being eliminated, there is nothing in place to help the minority group get jobs or even get accepted into college. This group includes people with disabilities, pregnant individuals,people of color, and even students! Did you know that the DEI programs help teens get jobs, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds? This program would assist teens with financial and social barriers, providing access to career paths they might otherwise not have access to. Without this mentorship, thousands of students across the country would struggle with having an equal opportunity to get a job or having the resources they need to get into a good college.

What does Trump say about these issues?

Trump’s administration has allegedly claimed that the DEI program has unfairly disadvantaged and discriminated against white men. Following this, Trump stated, “We will terminate every diversity, equity, and inclusion program across the entire federal government.” What’s his plan? To end “illegal discrimination” and restore merit-based opportunities. Meaning jobs are given to people based on demonstrated skills, abilities, and achievements rather than other factors like financial need.

How will this impact college/job opportunities?

Merit-based hiring focuses on their proven knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform a job. It contrasts with degree-based hiring, which prioritizes qualifications like specific degrees. This makes it harder for those with little experience or health conditions that may hinder their job prospects. Merit-based scholarships are given to students based on their academic or extracurricular achievements, such as high grades, test scores, or involvement in extracurricular activities. Meaning that people who need financial assistance will have a lower chance of being granted one.