Concerned About the 2024 Election Results? Here are DEI Resources for You!

The 2024 election is over, and Donald Trump has won the majority of electoral votes and the popular vote count. The contrast in American culture is stark, to say the least. Half of America is rejoicing over the win, while the other half is cautious, skeptical, and even frightened about the next four years.

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For many, post-election concerns over the future of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are real. How will Trump's presidency affect the future of DEI? Will the progress made in education, the workplace, and the governmental level be in vain?

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Here's a guide to the election impact on DEI and some essential DEI resources to keep you engaged in the cause.

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DEI Diverging Visions

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The presidential candidates, Kamala Haris and Donald Trump, had very different visions for addressing systemic inequality in America. Harris supports federal programs that serve disadvantaged communities. She believes the government should intervene to address these inequalities. This includes supporting early education programs for disadvantaged children and increasing federal funding for Title I and other educational initiatives.

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Trump, on the other hand, wants to reduce the government's involvement in education policies. The Trump administration previously cut funding for the Department of Education. In some Republican circles, there is a push to abolish the Department of Education altogether. Whether Donald Trump will support this extreme measure remains to be seen.

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Eliminating the Department of Education could impact DEI with fewer federal protections and reduced funding for programs that benefit underrepresented groups in America. This could negatively affect students of color, students with learning disabilities, those who are economically disadvantaged, and other underrepresented children in the U.S.

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Dismantling the U.S. Department of Education

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The Department of Education has numerous functions, including designating Title I funding to schools that serve low-income families, approving Pell Grants, and regulating student loan relief through loan forgiveness and income-based repayment plans. The Department has many branches and moving parts. It enforces federal civil rights in the schools and protects all students from discrimination.

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Although many experts believe dismantling the Department of Education is unlikely, it is a hot topic of conversation and debate. The Department also governs special education, gifted education, college sports, and numerous federal programs. There is growing concern that downsizing the Department of Education could affect the most vulnerable students it intends to protect.

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Reducing DEI Funding

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Campaigning against DEI and Critical Race Theory is popular among Republican politicians. Ten states, including Kentucky and North Carolina, have placed restrictions on DEI education at public universities. On Trump's campaign website, he promises to cut school funding for schools that teach gender ideology or Critical Race Theory. How much money the administration will cut or what restrictions they place on DEI are questions that are yet to be answered.

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DEI in the School Setting

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The Education policy is a critical area where DEI could be affected by the election. Under a Democratic President, you would likely see an expansion of federal programs promoting equity in the school system. This includes additional funding for underserved areas and protections for DEI efforts in regard to gender, race, and sexual orientation.

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Under a Trump administration, you will likely see efforts to restrict DEI discussions related to education. In his previous administration, a handful of states passed laws to ban teaching about gender identity, sexual orientation, and critical race theory. The president-elect may impose further restrictions on DEI discussions, widening the gap between areas of the country that support DEI initiatives and those that oppose them.

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DEI in the Workplace

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DEI has become a hot topic in the corporate workplace. Large and small companies have embraced protecting DEI rights to create a more cohesive, inclusive workplace.

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Progressive companies offer training and ongoing education to reduce discrimination and bias and create pathways and opportunities for underrepresented workers. The Biden administration encouraged these efforts and promoted federal support to increase workplace equity, especially for minorities and women.

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DEI programs in the corporate world face opposition. Many conservatives argue that pushing equity initiatives promotes division instead of a harmonious workplace. During Trump's previous administration, he limited DEI training at the federal level.

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In the next four years, some states and businesses may choose to scale back DEI initiatives. Some Republican leaders are in favor of banning certain DEI programs they see as politically biased or discriminatory.

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DEI Resources and Higher Education

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The battle over protecting DEI rights is a major topic in higher education. DEI initiatives at colleges and universities are under scrutiny. Programs that mandate DEI content or promote diversity are seeing their state legislatures attempting to reduce or restrict funding.

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Although a Harris administration would have likely pushed for federal funding for DEI in education, a Trump administration may not. Trump may choose to support policies that limit DEI education and essential DEI resources in higher education. This may influence some states to reduce support for DEI education. This could lead to a lack of resources for marginalized groups and increase the current disparities in colleges and universities.

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Eroding the Rights of LGBTQ Students

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Will the rights of LGBTQ+ students suffer under four years of a Trump presidency? Many experts predict the administration will make changes to Title IX, which protects students from sex-based discrimination. The Biden administration worked to expand protections for LGBTQ+ and transgender students. These expansions faced challenges from red states, which blocked federal protection across 26 states.

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Trump doesn't need help from Congress to implement changes to Title IX. He is opposed to transgender female athletes participating in female sports and refers to these athletes as "males." There is widespread Republican support for this ban, although there is some opposition surrounding this controversial topic on both sides of the political aisle.

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Expanding "Parental Rights"

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To get an idea of what may happen with parental rights regarding education under the Trump administration, you can look to the Republican states. There is a push to ban books that focus on gender identity and other controversial topics.

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There is support for "Don't Say Gay" laws in certain states, including Texas and Florida. In the past, Trump has suggested school principals should be elected by the parents. This would give parents more authority over what their children learn at school.

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Although Trump has repeatedly said he doesn't support the Project 2025, some Republican lawmakers do. This policy outlines using federal funds for private schools. This concerns many parents who are uncertain about what another Trump presidency will mean for the health of public education in the United States.

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Trump's Cabinet Nominees

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For many Republicans, Trump's victory was a referendum against woke ideologies they do not support. His cabinet nominees are not supportive of DEI policies and consider them to be racially divisive.

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Trump and the GOP are geared to overhaul the Justice Department, the Pentagon, and the Department of Education. His nomination of Pete Hegseth and others, including Tulsi Gabbard and Mat Gaetz is a clear sign he is choosing a cabinet of conservatives who are against DEI initiatives, especially transgender rights.

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Gaetz is a fierce opponent of DEI. He has labeled DEI as racist and dangerous. He could lead changes through the Justice Department to limit DEI policies.

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DEI activists are expecting a backlash and are debating how to move forward to resist the Trump agenda. The fear is that with a Republican President and a Senate and House majority, the country could see a negative effect on decades of progress for civil rights.

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Impact on Sexual Assault Victims on College Campuses

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Navigating post-election DEI could be an issue on college campuses beginning in 2025. During Trump's first term as President, regulations were set in motion to protect people accused of sexual assault on campus. Biden made changes to these regulations, including the Trump administration's definition of sexual assault.

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Critics argued these regulations made individuals less likely to report incidents of sexual assault. Under the new Trump administration, some experts fear that victims of sexual assault will become more vulnerable once again.

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Be a Voice for Change

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Although the election impact on DEI may be far-reaching, it's not time to give up on protecting DEI rights in 2025 and beyond. The election results may lead to some setbacks for DEI, but you can do your part to embrace equity and promote anti-racist mindsets and practices.

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Acknowledge Your Feelings

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The election results were shocking and emotionally triggering for many people around the country. Give yourself time to adjust and understand that your feelings are valid.

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Stay Informed

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Even if the election didn't turn out the way you wanted, it's important to stay abreast of the latest political news. Be aware of DEI policies and any changes that affect people in their communities, schools, and workplaces.

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Find Your People

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Reach out to people who will support and listen to you. Consider joining a community like Embracing Equity that will welcome you and offer support.

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Having a community of people who respect you and listen to your ideas can be empowering. You can make a positive difference in your community. Sign up for the Embracing Equity newsletter for the latest news, tips, and resources.

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Consult an Equity-Centered Coach

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Equity coaches can help you unlock your potential to educate and lead others toward a sustainable workforce. Equity coaching can help you develop a culture of trust, respect, and collaboration within your organization.

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Embracing Equity offers a holistic approach to transform your organization. They are considered a leading equity training organization for schools and businesses, impacting over 10,000 participants and 660,000 children around the globe.

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Their coaching methods provide the tools to help individuals and organizations breakthrough longstanding systems of oppression and move forward with actionable steps toward sustainable progress.

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Stay Woke

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When you work hard for a cause or political candidate and the results are disappointing, it's not time to give up. The opposite is true. The ones you are fighting for need your voice and activism more than ever.

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There are many things you can do, including joining organizations that are protecting DEI rights, working with your local ACLU, and reaching out to progressive groups who share your values. Your voice matters, and you can make an impact in your community, your school, and even at the national level.

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Remember to Vote

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Being civic-minded includes exercising your right to vote. Stay informed about upcoming local and state elections. Activism includes voting for people who share your values and concerns. This matters at the community, state, and national levels.

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DEI strategies in 2024 influenced voter behavior to some extent. More DEI resources and education are needed for a greater impact on the next Presidential election. Voters who understand the value of equity, inclusion, and representation are likely to vote for candidates who take a stand on these critical issues.

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The future of DEI policies hinges on those who understand its value for a better and more prosperous future for all. The DEI debate is far from over. Whether the government will hinder the progress made over the last several years remains to be seen.

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Focus on What You Can Do

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Channeling your time and energy into activism is a worthy goal. Consider your talents and how you can make an impact for the greater good. Set boundaries and avoid spaces or conversations that do not value your lived experience. Start small and volunteer locally when you can fit it into your schedule.

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Ways to Safeguard DEI Values in 2025

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Although the election is over, the need to protect historically marginalized groups and DEI resources hasn't changed. The country needs those committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion now more than ever.

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Your voice matters, and you can play a vital role in promoting the fair treatment of disadvantaged communities. At Embracing Equity, we envision a world where all children and adults are valued and nurtured to their highest potential.

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We strive to create personalized solutions to your unique challenges. Whether you wish to reshape your corporate culture, transform your educational environment, or impact funding decisions, we are here to assist you in your efforts.

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Contact Embracing Equity today to discuss your needs.