The past few weeks have been overwhelming. A lot is happening in DC. A lot is changing. And for those of us working in education—or anyone who values diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)—it can feel especially disorienting, even frightening.

You may be asking yourself: How did these principles—diversity, equity, inclusion—become controversial? How can those in power reject DEI as a problem or threat rather than recognize it as a source of strength? How did we get to a place where excellence, hard work, and merit are being pitted against DEI, as if these are mutually exclusive?

Let’s be clear: They are not.

We are all better off when DEI prevails. A society that embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion is stronger, more innovative, and more just. And a system that removes barriers—not builds them—creates the conditions for true excellence to flourish.

Surely, we don’t want to live in a society of uniformity, inequity, and exclusion—the actual opposite of DEI, not merit, excellence, or hard work.

This anti-DEI agenda is designed to sow division, instill fear, and maintain inequality. But here’s the truth: We have so much more in common than what separates us. If we were taught to see that, DEI would be our superpower.

Imagine the power we could collectively wield if we stood in solidarity instead of being pushed apart by manufactured divisions. We, the people, would be extremely powerful. Instead, the wealthiest few hold the most power and are using it to tamper with our government. Right now, the richest individual in America—with wealth beyond comprehension—is in charge of cutting government spending. The irony is maddening.

Meanwhile, our leaders have twisted the meaning of DEI, dismissed its value, and made it a new talking point to incite anger, resentment, and division. To make mainstream the idea that diversity, equity, and inclusion are at odds with excellence, hard work, and merit—or that all these can’t be true at the same time—is purposeful.

The goal is to create and perpetuate a zero-sum scarcity mindset that forces us into an “us vs. them” mentality and pushes a narrative of who’s deserving and who’s not. It’s a false story—one that assumes opportunity for some means adversity for others.

Here’s a different narrative:

• I am white and a beneficiary of diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.
• I worked hard and would not be where I am today without federal support for my education (e.g., Pell Grant, TRIO programs, McNair, etc.).
• I achieved a lot on my own merit and could not have done it alone.
• I earned it but not without help.
• I am excellent but acknowledge my privilege.
• Education did not indoctrinate me—it enlightened me.
• Education did not guilt me—it gave me empathy.
• America is the greatest country in the world and racism is real.

We want simple: good/bad, right/wrong, black/white. But reality is complex, history is complicated, and people are imperfect. There’s a lot of gray. DEI is not bad, higher education is not wrong, and the Department of Education is not the enemy.

We all benefit when everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential. More is more for all of us. Less funding for education is less for all of us. We should be making the American Dream more achievable, not less.

So, let’s reject the rhetoric designed to divide us. Let’s tell our stories, take bold action, and be okay with imperfection. Now is not the time to shy away from the messiness of progress.

Are you with me?

In solidarity,
Jenna

Jenna (Tomasello) Roberson
Co-founder, LTLT
jenna@learnlivetogether.org