“Will DEI ever go away?” The short answer? No, it won’t—and here’s why that’s actually a good thing.
Let’s start with the fundamentals: diversity, equity, and inclusion are not trends. These principles exist because of our enduring need to create spaces that reflect and respect the multifaceted humanity we all share. Even if we were to achieve a society where everyone truly felt a sense of belonging, DEI wouldn’t disappear; it would evolve. DEI would become woven into every fiber of our organizations, no longer an “initiative” but an integral part of our culture and daily operations.
The Value of Sustained Effort in DEI
I often envision a future where DEI is so deeply embedded that my role becomes obsolete. In this ideal world, everyone—from leaders to team members—embodies DEI values as second nature. However, that vision also comes with a reality check. Progress is not linear. Historically, we’ve seen how the very rights we work so hard to secure can be vulnerable, especially in times of political and social pushback. And this isn’t hypothetical; we’ve seen hard-won human rights be challenged or even stripped away, leaving many communities grappling with the reality that gains are not guaranteed.
Consider, for example, the recent reversal of Roe v. Wade in 2022, which ended nearly 50 years of federal protection for abortion rights. This decision had immediate and profound impacts on millions of women, particularly those in marginalized communities, who now face restricted access to reproductive healthcare in several states.
The LGBTQ+ community has also experienced setbacks, notably with the rollback of protections for transgender individuals under the previous administration in 2020, which affected rights to healthcare access and anti-discrimination protections.
Similarly, voting rights—a cornerstone of democracy—have been under threat. In 2013, the Supreme Court’s decision in Shelby County v. Holder removed key protections from the Voting Rights Act of 1965, leading to the implementation of restrictive voter ID laws in several states, disproportionately impacting voters of color.
To keep diversity, equity and inclusion on the forefront, we need vigilance and a commitment to maintaining the progress we’ve made. There’s no autopilot for DEI work.
This is where Watson Nelson Consulting comes in—equipping organizations with the tools and insights they need to build DEI into their foundations, ensuring it can withstand challenges over time.
DEI Isn’t About Taking; It’s About Expanding Opportunities
One of the most common misconceptions about DEI is that it’s about taking something from one group to give to another. In truth, DEI is about creating spaces where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. A diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace is one that allows innovation, respect, and resilience to thrive. In advocating for DEI, we’re not suggesting anyone should “lose” opportunity. Instead, we’re building systems that expand access to opportunities and resources that have historically been withheld from marginalized groups.
DEI and Human Rights: The Larger Picture
DEI encompasses far more than what happens within the four walls of any organization. Think about issues like women’s reproductive rights, voting access, or fair labor practices—these are all intertwined with equity and inclusion. When reproductive rights are restricted, for instance, it can impact a woman’s economic independence, her career trajectory, and even her capacity to participate in civic life.
At Watson Nelson, we believe it’s essential to advocate not only for DEI within organizations but also in the larger societal context. It’s why we take a holistic approach, recognizing that our communities are interconnected and that equitable practices have ripple effects.
Building Towards a Just Future
Achieving sustainable DEI requires commitment from everyone, not just from DEI professionals. It requires us to question old norms, to celebrate our shared humanity, and to understand that true progress is about ensuring we don’t have to “fight” for basics like dignity, respect, and opportunity.
Imagine what it would mean if every organization prioritized equity as part of its core. If every leader saw inclusion as a necessary element of their success. We would have workplaces—and communities—where every voice is heard, every perspective valued, and every individual empowered to bring their full self to the table.
The Path Forward
While we hope to see a future where DEI practices are second nature, this isn’t about making DEI obsolete. It’s about creating a world where inclusion, equity, and justice are constants in our lives. Until then, we’ll keep doing the work, recognizing that progress takes time, effort, and, most importantly, unwavering dedication.
If your organization is ready to navigate your own DEI journey, Watson Nelson Consulting is here to help you build, sustain, and champion DEI at every level. Let’s make progress together.
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