Stacey Abrams Urges Companies to Focus on DEI Principles Amid Rollbacks

Stacey Abrams, a prominent advocate for social justice, has offered guidance to companies that are removing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives from their websites. She emphasized that the focus should not be on the acronym but on the principles and actions that these initiatives represent. Abrams urged companies to understand that DEI is about creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and respected, rather than just checking boxes or using specific terminology.

Abrams' advice comes at a time when many organizations are facing scrutiny over their commitment to DEI. Some companies have been criticized for removing DEI statements from their websites, which has raised concerns about their dedication to fostering diverse and inclusive workplaces. Abrams' message underscores the importance of genuine commitment to these principles, rather than merely paying lip service to them.

The removal of DEI initiatives from company websites can be seen as a response to the current political and social climate, where there is growing resistance to DEI efforts. Some critics argue that these initiatives are divisive and unnecessary, while others see them as essential for addressing systemic inequalities. Abrams' perspective highlights the need for companies to navigate this complex landscape with integrity and a genuine commitment to creating inclusive environments.

As the Trump administration continues its efforts to dismantle DEI programs in both the public and private sectors, many large companies are responding by changing the language they use. However, Abrams warns that this backpedaling will not appease ongoing anti-DEI critics and could have deeper repercussions for their programs. She argues that swapping out some words for others creates a major distraction and serves as a first step towards changing the overall goals of these programs. "It fractures us, and it creates an internal set of dynamics, an internal set of debates, that allows them to distract us from where the real attack is coming from," she said. "When we’re fighting over whether we add letters, or take letters away, or rearrange the letters, we’re not arguing about the mission."

Abrams' call to action is a reminder that DEI is not just about the letters but about the actions and policies that support diversity, equity, and inclusion. Companies that remove DEI initiatives from their websites risk sending a message that they are not committed to these principles, which can have significant implications for their reputation and employee morale. Abrams' advice encourages companies to focus on the substance of DEI rather than the form, and to ensure that their actions align with their stated values.

Despite the spate of DEI rollbacks and the backtracking on language in particular, Abrams is adamant that these policies are alive and well, although she is clear-eyed about what advocates are up against. "DEI is not dead; it’s not even on life support," said Abrams. "What it is is under assiduous and aggressive attack because they think that if they can fracture our attention, they can win their fight."