Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is under attack. Misinformation is spreading rapidly, funding is being slashed, and political pressures are forcing institutions to retreat. If DEI advocates don’t act now, these setbacks will only accelerate.
The good news? You don’t have to fight this battle alone, or without the facts.
The USC Race and Equity Center’s National DEI Defense Coalition is one resource that is providing the tools to do just that. The Coalition is a hub for research, advocacy strategies, and real-world applications of DEI in higher education. Their coalition page serves as a central resource where institutions and individuals can access key reports, policy updates, and action guides designed to sustain and advance DEI efforts.
The USC Race and Equity Center’s National DEI Defense Coalition provides research-backed strategies to counter misinformation, influence decision-makers, and sustain DEI initiatives. Their Truths about DEI on College Campuses Report is an essential resource for cutting through false narratives and proving the effectiveness of DEI programs. While the information is geared to academic insitutions, the information can very much be applied to different types of organizations. Here’s how you can leverage these tools to go from defense to offense.
1. Use Research to Correct False Claims
Misinformation thrives when it goes unchallenged. The DEI Truths Report provides clear, evidence-based responses to common anti-DEI arguments. Key facts include:
✅ DEI programs do not exclude anyone - they expand access and create opportunities for all students.
✅ Institutions with strong DEI initiatives see higher retention rates and improved student outcomes.
✅ Equity efforts do not lower standards - they strengthen them.
✅ Public support for DEI remains strong across racial and political groups.
🔹 “DEI is ineffective and divisive” → FALSE. Data shows DEI leads to better outcomes for all.
🔹 “DEI lowers academic standards” → FALSE. Institutions with DEI see improved retention and success rates.
Use these findings in meetings, presentations, and discussions. The more people understand the facts, the harder it becomes for misinformation to take hold.
2. Share Coalition Resources with Decision-Makers
Some institutions are reevaluating their DEI programs, making cuts, and scaling back commitments, as they are influenced by external pressures more than research. Providing leadership with data can help shift the conversation.
Send the DEI Truths Report and Coalition resources to administrators, legal council, HR leaders, and department heads.
Include key findings in reports, proposals, and strategic plans.
Use these insights to prepare talking points for meetings with key stakeholders.
When decision-makers understand that DEI programs contribute to institutional success, they are more likely to protect and invest in them. The Coalition page also features national trends, funding strategies, and legal insights, which can help leaders navigate challenges and sustain their commitments.
3. Educate and Mobilize Your Community
DEI efforts are most effective when they have widespread support. Faculty, staff, students, and community members need to be equipped with accurate information to advocate effectively. Consider using the Coalition’s resources to:
Host a discussion or workshop on the truths about DEI.
Develop easy-to-share infographics or fact sheets based on the report’s findings.
Engage student organizations, employee resource groups, or community groups in spreading awareness.
An informed community is a powerful force. The more people who understand the value of DEI, the stronger the movement becomes. The Coalition page provides ready-made resources for institutions and individuals looking to educate their networks and take meaningful action.
4. Strengthen Your Institution’s DEI Strategy
Institutions with existing DEI programs can use this report and the other tools to reinforce and refine their efforts. The research provides strong justification for maintaining and expanding DEI work. It can help with:
Demonstrating the impact of DEI on student and employee success.
Refining messaging to align with data rather than reactive narratives.
At a time when institutions are facing external pressures, having solid data strengthens the case for continued investment in DEI. If you need assistance, Watson Nelson Consulting can assist with fine-tuning campus-wide DEI plans and implementation strategies to help leaders make informed decisions.
5. Advocate Beyond Your Institution
The push to weaken DEI is not limited to college campuses. Many states are introducing policies that restrict or defund DEI initiatives. Advocacy at the local and state levels is critical. You can:
Share research-backed insights with legislators and policymakers.
Write op-eds or letters to the editor using data to counter misinformation.
Support or join organizations that are legally challenging anti-DEI laws.
DEI policies do not exist in isolation. They are shaped by broader social and political forces. Engaging in advocacy beyond your institution helps protect these efforts on a larger scale. The Coalition page also tracks legal developments and policy shifts, helping advocates stay informed on new challenges and opportunities for action.
Moving Forward: DEI Needs Action
The DEI Truths Report and the Coalition are one example of information sources for defending and advancing equity work. Whether you are presenting to leadership, training faculty and staff, or advocating for policy change, these and other resources provide the foundation to act with confidence.
Sustaining DEI requires more than belief in its importance. It requires people who are willing to speak up, challenge misinformation, and take strategic action. With the right tools and collective effort, we can ensure that DEI remains a priority in higher education and beyond.
🔗 Take action today.
Read the full DEI Truths Report here.
Explore the **National DEI Defense Coalition ** and its resources here.
Share these tools with your colleagues, leadership, and community to strengthen DEI advocacy.
Have questions? Need assistance? Reach out to Watson Nelson Consulting for a complementary discussion session here.
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