The Future of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Justice, & Belonging Depends on Us
Now is Not the Time to Back Down. This Is the Moment to Stand Strong.
We are living through an era where powerful forces are working tirelessly to dismantle diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, and belonging (DEIJB) initiatives. From executive orders gutting federal diversity programs to states like Texas shutting down DEI offices in higher education, the message is clear: They want us to retreat. To erase the progress we’ve fought for. To make us believe that striving for justice, equity, and inclusion is unnecessary or, worse, unwelcome.
But make no mistake—this work has never been just about policies or budgets. It’s about real people and real impact. It’s about creating safe and equitable spaces where every individual can thrive. It’s about transforming systems to be more just, more inclusive, and more sustainable for generations to come.
For this Forecast, we want to show you why we must continue to invest in and do this work. We will provide links, research, and resources, but BSP is not a firm that specializes in equity. If this is something you would like to work on in your life or within your organization, let us know and we will be happy to connect you to someone in our subject matter expert cohort.
Simply, we care. We’re not backing down. Not now. Not ever.
What is DEIJB
Before we talk about the why, we need to clarify the what. DEIJB stands for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Justice, and Belonging. It is more than just a set of initiatives or a line item on an organizational strategy—it is a holistic approach to creating environments where all individuals feel valued, respected, and empowered.
Diversity involves recognizing and celebrating the unique perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences each person brings.
Equity is about ensuring fair access to opportunities, resources, and support to eliminate systemic barriers.
Inclusion means fostering a culture where every voice is heard and valued, creating spaces where all feel welcomed and included.
Justice focuses on addressing and correcting historical and systemic inequalities, aiming for lasting change.
Belonging ensures that every individual feels an authentic connection to their organization and community, leading to enhanced engagement and well-being.
In organizations, DEIJB shows up in tangible ways:
Policies and Practices: From equitable hiring and promotion practices to inclusive benefits and support systems.
Culture and Environment: Through safe spaces for dialogue, employee resource groups, and visible leadership support for DEIJB initiatives.
Accountability and Action: By setting measurable goals, tracking progress, and being transparent about successes and areas for growth.
When DEIJB is genuinely integrated, organizations not only reflect the diversity of their communities but also drive innovation, engagement, and long-term success. It transforms workplaces into environments where everyone can thrive, contributing to a more just and equitable society.
Why DEIJB Is Non-Negotiable
The pushback against DEIJB is not just an attack on policies—it’s an attack on people. It’s an attempt to silence voices that have fought too hard and too long to be heard. They may call this work radical. We call it necessary.
Equity and inclusion are not optional. They are the backbone of thriving organizations, strong economies, and just societies. This is not a “nice-to-have”—it’s a must-have.
Diverse teams drive innovation. Companies with inclusive cultures are 35% more likely to outperform their competitors. (McKinsey & Co.)
Belonging is a public health issue. Employees who feel included are 50% less likely to experience mental health challenges like anxiety and depression. (Harvard Business Review)
Communities that prioritize equity thrive. Cities with strong DEI policies see higher graduation rates, stronger economic growth, and increased civic engagement. (Brookings Institution)
These aren’t just numbers—they are evidence. And as policies roll back, we must amplify this evidence louder than ever.
How We Keep Pushing Forward
If ever there was a time to stand firm, this is it. When they try to roll back progress, we must roll forward with even more momentum. Here’s how:
Stay Loud and Unapologetic: When organizations rebrand DEIJB under safer, softer names to avoid scrutiny, we understand the strategy—but we won’t water down our mission. Justice by any other name is still justice. We won’t hide behind palatable language when the truth demands boldness. (Learn more about the dangers of DEI rebranding)
Create Safe Spaces and Change Systems: It’s not enough to offer safety and equity within our walls—we must reshape the systems that create inequity in the first place. That means advocating for policies, demanding accountability, and showing up in the spaces where decisions are made. (Advocacy Resources from Race Forward)
Invest in Future Leaders: Policy changes can erase programs, but they can’t erase our ability to build community power. We will mentor, educate, and uplift the next wave of leaders—ensuring that even if institutions falter, the movement does not. (Supporting Future Leaders Through Mentorship)
Build Power Across Sectors: This is not just a fight for nonprofits. It’s an economic, social, and human rights struggle that requires businesses, governments, and communities to unite. We need everyone at the table to protect what we’ve built and push for what’s next. (Cross-Sector Collaboration Resources)
Use Data as a Tool to Drive Change: The evidence is on our side. We will track and report the disparities created by policy rollbacks. We will publish our findings. We will make the truth impossible to ignore. (How to Use Data to Drive Change)
This Is How We Make Lasting Change
We know that progress is rarely a straight path. For every step forward, there may be resistance. But history shows us that enduring change comes from those who remain steadfast, even when systems push back.
We are those people. This is our moment.
We will continue to create safe and equitable spaces for individuals and teams—not as an endpoint but as a foundation for broader transformation. Our work within organizations and communities is just the start. True equity requires us to confront and reshape the systems that sustain inequality, building pathways toward justice that future generations can walk upon.
We keep organizing. We keep advocating. We keep showing up. When policies roll back, we won’t just react—we will respond with clarity and purpose. We will remain on the frontlines, not merely resisting but actively constructing a world where equity is not exceptional but expected.
This isn’t about quick wins—it’s about laying the groundwork for a more just and inclusive society, where the changes we make today become the norms of tomorrow.