Opponents of DEI want to stifle America's progress. We can't let that happen.
As daughters of the South who come from historically marginalized communities, we understand the impediments to success that face many people in our country. Doors of opportunity closed to our parents due to systemic racism and sexism were opened to us and many others because of programs and policies designed to correct early prejudices and carve out new avenues for advancement and success for more people.
Our country’s progress, catalyzed by historic movements that pushed our nation to live up to its highest ideals, is undeniable – yet far from complete.
Unfortunately, as we’ve seen repeatedly in our nation’s history, movements for justice, recognition and inclusion often spark a backlash from those who wrongly believe that the expansion of the American dream comes at their own expense. Today, we find ourselves fighting back against a powerful, multipronged assault on diversity, equity and inclusion. Opponents of DEI seek to repeal the centuries of progress we have made to ensure equitable opportunity for all Americans.
The enemies of progress are attacking the very pillars of our democratic society: elections, education and fair access to economic opportunity, among others.
And the nation’s highest court, once a staunch proponent of civil rights, now champions the forces of regression.
Supreme Court has diminished DEI efforts
In 2013, the U.S. Supreme Court unleashed a torrent of state voter suppression laws that have restricted access to the ballot, especially for voters of color. This tide of anti-voter laws continues unabated.
In 2023 – a decade after the court gutted the Voting Rights Act in Shelby County v. Holder – legislators in at least 32 states pre-filed or introduced 150 restrictive voting bills ahead of a critical election year. States including Georgia and Florida have enacted radical laws designed specifically to target voters of color.
And just recently, the Supreme Court upheld the South Carolina Legislature’s racially gerrymandered voting map, which a lower court found had resulted in the “bleaching of African American voters” from a district.
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Last summer, in a ruling on affirmative action in education, the court opened the floodgates for far-reaching attacks on civil rights even wider. At least 10 states ‒ including Alabama, Florida, Texas and Utah ‒ have implemented anti-DEI laws that curtail the ability of educational institutions to create campuses that are welcoming, fair and free from discrimination and hate.
These laws were passed despite definitive evidence that an inclusive curriculum leads to positive changes in students’ attitudes and values, improved critical thinking and higher achievement levels for students of all backgrounds.
The right to fully participate in our economy is the newest line of attack.
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Businesses such as Hello Alice and Fearless Fund and institutions such as the Minority Development Business Agency provide investment to historically underrepresented business owners – people of color, women, veterans and others.
Across the country, they and other social entrepreneurs have been bombarded with lawsuits that attempt to shut off the trickle of funds that bring historically disadvantaged communities a chance to fully participate in economic progress and wealth creation. While Hello Alice’s victory in court represented a win for our nation’s small businesses and economy, the flawed rulings in the Fearless Fund and the MDBA cases signal a long battle ahead for such ventures.
The groups that spearheaded this flurry of anti-DEI legislation and litigation understand that these actions create a chilling effect. That is their strategy. They know that this fight goes far beyond a $20,000 grant given to a small-business owner. This is, rather, about achieving the ultimate goal of reestablishing systemic and institutional barriers that prevent people of all backgrounds from succeeding.
Attacks on DEI are relentless, despite high approval
Even though, as a new Washington Post poll shows, 6 in 10 Americans approve of DEI, the attacks from anti-DEI groups are unrelenting.
We have seen this throughout our nation’s history: moments of incredible progress being met with vigorous resistance from reactionary groups that wish to take our country backward because they fear change and competition.
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Comprehensive education, full participation in the economy and a robust democracy have been fundamental to how we achieve the American dream.
Never before has our nation seen so many benefiting from its promise. This is why we must stand firm and not retreat.
Cynical opponents are counting on us not to fight back, but we have come too far as a country to capitulate and not protect our hard-won gains. Organizations like the Southern Poverty Law Center, American Pride Rises and others are committed to winning the fight.
The law and history are on our side.
Our resolve to ensure America fulfills its promise – that everyone has the freedom and opportunity to succeed – is unwavering, because access to the American dream is worth defending, and everyone, no matter their background, deserves a chance to create and fulfill their own.
Stacey Abrams is the founder of American Pride Rises and a former member of the Georgia House of Representatives. Margaret Huang is the president and CEO of the Southern Poverty Law Center.
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This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: DEI opponents repeal centuries of progress through litigation
