Students are still coming to terms with the loss of diversity, equity and inclusion policies at universities and major companies since President Trump was elected on a pledge to remove all DEI initiatives.
DEI policies were introduced to combat discriminatory practices by encouraging equal opportunities and diverse environments. In 2020, following widespread racial protests, these initiatives were embraced by the likes of Meta (formerly Facebook), McDonald’s and Target, among many other companies.
Thomas Remington, president of the College Democrats at East Carolina University, said one of the first executive orders signed by Trump was focused on reversing DEI initiatives and “woke policies.”
“A couple major companies like Meta,” Remington said, “in accordance with the president’s executive orders and in the simplest terms essentially removed their DEI policies.”
Remington said the trend of different companies eliminating DEI programs address a problem that doesn’t actually exist. He said these programs don’t cause harm and instead help foster inclusivity.
For ECU, this shift is nothing new. While faculty opposed the removal of DEI, they were effectively compelled to make the change by the UNC System Board of Governors, which, in 2024, voted to eliminate DEI offices and funding at all state universities.
“The people who benefit from DEI most of the time don’t even know it’s there,” Remington said. “and for those who don’t use the resources, it doesn’t affect them at all.”
Kelly Diep, social media manager for the Asian Students Association, said the criticism of DEI stems from the belief that the programs are unfair and contributing to greater division among people.
Diep said eliminating or even scaling back DEI programs could cause harm to minority students by limiting their chances to secure jobs or even just to access opportunities.
“It’s important to recognize that DEI programs do not divide,” Diep said. But they help “those who are systematically and historically underrepresented.”
Erica Hoyer, a rehabilitation counselor at Salem Counseling, said while discussions about DEI often center on race and ethnicity, the concept extends far beyond that. It also encompasses individuals with disabilities, addiction, mental health disorders and more.
Hoyer said many of her clients depend on essential support to secure jobs, access necessary accommodations and to navigate their daily lives. She said removing DEI initiatives could severely impact their ability to achieve these goals and further marginalize them.
“It kind of removes a lot of accessibility needed for people to function in society,” Hoyer said, “since it’s cutting out entire populations because of things that people can’t control.”
Hoyer said during her time teaching undergraduates, she had students who required accommodations, and working with them was essential for their success.
Removing DEI welcomes more hate and discrimination, Hoyer said. A crucial aspect of DEI is that it gives people access to important programs and removing them can be extremely detrimental.
“The programs shouldn’t be a hindrance or something that’s removed just because people need something that’s different from others,” Hoyer said.
Unfurls contacted ECU’s Dr. Jesse R. Peel LGBTQ Center and the Ledonia Wright Cultural Center but was told to reach out to the university’s news services for comment.
Mikael Adamson, a merchandising major at ECU, said organizations previously supported by DEI are likely hesitant to speak out due to the fear that their programs could be eliminated or face reduced funding.
“People could speak with their money,” Adamson said, “because it is often how you bring a company or corporation to its knees.”
Joala Downey, a health and wellness entrepreneur in Greensboro, said one way to address these changes is by supporting the local community.
Downey said farmers’ markets and locally owned businesses often prioritize the needs of the people they serve, focusing on the community rather than on race, class or politics.
“With these university programs being rolled back,” Downey said. “’I’m definitely going to make sure that my business and my brand are with the people affected by this.”
Downey said although the DEI removal and changes can’t be controlled, people should focus on their commonalities and prioritize supporting one another.