The federal government is driving out Diversity, Equity and Inclusion programs across the federal government, organizations that depend on government funding, and as many businesses as they can bully into conforming to their anti-DEI policy.

Whether the president has the legal authority to abolish DEI programs is for the courts to sort out.  However, telling the American people to abandon their core values is not the role of the government. 

As Ronald Reagan reminded us in his last address as president on January 11th, 1989, 

“We the People” tell the government what to do; it doesn’t tell us. 

“We the People” are the driver; the government is the car. And we decide where it should go, and by what route, and how fast. 

Almost all the world’s constitutions are documents in which governments tell the people what their privileges are. Our Constitution is a document in which “We the People” tell the government what it is allowed to do.  

“We the People” are free. 

As free people, we can debate the details of the DEI programs and polices, which are by nature sensitive, uncomfortable and controversial.  However, as Americans can we really question the underlying values that drive them?  

Can we agree that seeing and celebrating differences is good, that all are created equal, and everyone deserves to participate in all aspects of society?  Can we agree that historically not everyone has had the same opportunities, and it is up to us to correct this? 

If we can agree on these principles, then “We the People” must DIY our DEI.   

Do It Yourself DEI means not relying on federal mandates or national leadership to do the right thing.  

With or without DEI programs, we can seek to understand, respect and appreciate differences among us.  We are a country with varied histories, beliefs, rituals and traditions.  We can learn, listen and understand the ways some people have been mistreated and excluded, and take actions to ensure greater equity and inclusion.

People who hire don’t need DEI programs to ensure that their candidate pools include people with diverse backgrounds and experiences.  We know that having a diverse workforce that reflects communities and customers promotes creativity, and is good business practice.  And, even without formal DEI programs, it is still against the law to discriminate against people who are protected due to patterns of historical discrimination. 

Even President Trump agrees that discrimination is illegal.  Executive Order 14173, “Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity,” which he signed January 21, 2025 to abolish DEI programs, states:

“Longstanding Federal civil-rights laws protect individual Americans from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.  These civil-rights protections serve as a bedrock supporting equality of opportunity for all Americans.”

“Hardworking Americans who deserve a shot at the American Dream should not be stigmatized, demeaned, or shut out of opportunities because of their race or sex.”

It is up to us to create a society worthy of all who have fought and died for these rights, and continue to resist those who would push us backwards.  

As contributors, we can use engage socially and civically in actions that promote diversity, equity and inclusion.  

As consumers, we can promote and support businesses, organizations, media, arts and entertainment that honor diverse cultures, and causes that fight for equality and inclusion.  We can boycott companies and call out organizations, groups and individuals that do not.

Here is a great example of DIY DEI from “TikTok@stephunnyjane,” reposted by Michele Burton on Substack, on turning the tables on micro-aggressions (a concept I learned about in DEI training).    

Perhaps going DIY on DEI will unite us in our common values in new ways.  Perhaps we can become less polarized on the particulars of DEI program requirements, and more united on the American values that created the programs in the first place. 

There is nothing more core to the American promise than ensuring that every person, regardless of differences, has the right to pursue life, liberty and their version of happiness. 

Honoring diversity, striving for equity and including different perspectives is what makes this country strong, innovative, and culturally rich.  It IS what makes America great!!