Introduction
Spring 2020 was an extraordinarily difficult time. The pandemic ravaged New York City, lockdowns strained mental health, and on a personal level, I became a dad for the first time. But the murders of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd—tragically familiar stories of Black lives cut short—were among the most devastating moments. I was cautiously optimistic when organizations across industries publicly reckoned with systemic inequality and committed to change. It wasn’t going to be easy, as real progress requires reflection, humility, and sustained effort. Still, it felt like a small step in the right direction.
The Pendulum Swings Back
Fast forward to 2025, and the pendulum has swung back. Many companies have quietly (or vociferously) abandoned their commitments, citing shifting political and social tides. DEI efforts are being vilified, distorted into narratives of division and lowered standards. Meanwhile, the broader conversation about racial inequality—an undeniable part of this country’s history—is being actively suppressed.
The Reality Check
It’s exhausting. The constant flood of blood-boiling news makes it hard to process, let alone figure out what to do next. I don’t have many answers, but I can offer this:
- Dismantling DEI efforts means creating echo chambers. Excluding those who don’t fit the prevailing mold stifles innovation and potential. Time and again, diverse teams have been proven to create superior products and drive higher profits. DEI isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s smart business.
- The myth of lowered standards is a lie. Let’s not forget how many objectively unqualified people are being elevated into positions of power—especially in cabinet appointments—without the scrutiny faced by minority candidates, who too often remain in the minority and lack decisive influence. The notion that diverse teams are built at the expense of excellence is not only false—it’s hypocritical.
- People and history cannot be erased. Denying systemic racism, ignoring flagrant antisemitism—even when it’s as blatant as a textbook double Nazi salute—and attempting to legislate trans people out of existence won’t change reality. And let’s be honest on the last point: the claim that such efforts “protect women and girls” is hollow when the same platform systematically undermines their rights, from access to life-saving reproductive care to equal opportunities.
- Censorship isn’t the issue—disinformation is. The reframing of efforts to combat misinformation as “censorship” reveals just how deep the denial runs. Calling it out—every time—is critical to preventing falsehoods from taking root.
For My Fellow People Leaders
We are truly walking on a precarious tightrope. Supporting distressed employees while navigating the risk of being “too political” is no easy feat. But remember the oxygen mask principle: You can’t help others without taking care of yourself first. And when in doubt, lean on your organization’s code of conduct. Decency, respect, and inclusion should never be controversial.
Hard as it may be, don’t lose sight of that when these falsehoods creep into your own executive teams. Leadership means standing firm, especially when it’s uncomfortable. Speaking up when it’s popular is easy; doing so when the tide is against you is when it matters most. Whether it’s in your workplace, your community, or your daily interactions, staying silent only lets harmful narratives spread further.
Final Thoughts
I’m under no illusions that the next wave of commitments will run deeper when they’re made. But when the pendulum swings again, I hope those of us who care about progress will be ready to push harder, demand sustained change, and remain laser-focused on why this work has always mattered and always will.
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Luminary People Advisors offers up to 10 hours per month of free consulting to non-profit organizations working in reproductive health, women’s rights, LGBTQIA equality, immigration reform, justice system reform, protecting democracy, racial equity / anti-racism, climate justice, poverty alleviation, education access, disability rights, fighting antisemitism, xenophobia, and Islamophobia, supporting a free press, and / or combating propaganda and misinformation. If your organization fits the bill and could benefit from our services, please reach out via our website, LinkedIn, or at
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