Dismantling DEI: A Coordinated Attack on American Values
The Civil Rights Act of 1964 turns 60 this month. Six decades ago, landmark legislation was signed into law, banning discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. The act is accredited with outlawing segregation in public spaces and dismantling discriminatory practices, opening doors in employment, education, and political participation. Yet, the plight continues to fulfill our nation’s fundamental value: that all men are created equal.
Extremists are attempting to radically restructure society by dismantling the social progress made in our classrooms, courthouses, corporations, and Congress over the last 60 years. Many anti-DEI bills vary widely in their scope and apply across multiple sectors. While 26% of 2023–2024 bills targeted DEI in education only, that number rises to at least 35% when including bills that target DEI in both education and at least one other setting, such as business. Some lawmakers are attempting to redefine diversity, equity, and inclusion to better fit their politicized narratives.
Movement Advancement Project recently released its Dismantling DEI: A Coordinated Attack on American Values report, featuring Open to All’s Inclusion & Belonging Playbook. The first of its kind report analyzed state bills introduced over the past two years and found that at least 42 states have introduced over 440 bills attacking DEI in a variety of ways, and over half of those states have enacted at least one such law or policy over that time frame.
MAP’s Dismantling DEI report breaks down the strategies opponents have used to target DEI within government, education, and the private sector, and further demonstrates the harmful impacts these calculated attacks have upon our communities. Take a look at the report’s key takeaways:
- Since 2023, at least 226 bills explicitly attacking DEI or ESG in private businesses have been introduced across 36 states. Today, at least 16 states have enacted such laws.
- A 2023 Morning Consult survey of business leaders showed that 24% of respondents had discontinued or modified a training program, and 12% reported they had reduced the headcount for DEI staff functions.
- Since 2023, at least 256 bills have been introduced in the states attacking DEI in different government settings. Today, 20 states now have at least one law that restricts or bans DEI practices in different government settings.
- Since 2023, at least 157 bills explicitly attacking DEI in education have been introduced across 34 states. Today, at least 15 states have enacted these bans or restrictions into law.
The strategic attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion overlook a simple truth. Rather than favoring a chosen few, these ideals create a society that is better for everyone, where all of us can feel like we belong. Retreating in the face of these attacks would be a betrayal of the hard-fought progress towards a more just and equitable society. Now is the moment to rise above the noise, counter harmful narratives, and amplify diverse voices more than ever before.
