In a bold move, Donald Trump has recently signed an executive order to shut down diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives across federal agencies and contractors in the U.S. The order, titled “Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity,” calls for all DEI-related activities to stop within 60 days. It even goes so far as to revoke parts of landmark legislation from the 1960s that ensured equal opportunity in the workplace.
If that wasn’t enough, Trump’s order also targets businesses using DEI practices, threatening legal action against those deemed discriminatory. His message? DEI doesn’t align with a “colourblind, merit-based society.” For many, this is a step backwards, leaving people worried about what this will mean for workplaces, schools, and the mental health of already marginalised groups.
DEI Is More Than a Buzzword – It’s a Lifeline
Let’s talk about why this matters. DEI isn’t just about checking boxes or attending a workshop. It’s about creating spaces where everyone feels like they belong—spaces where you’re not just tolerated but valued for who you are. When DEI is dismantled, the ripple effects can hit hard, especially for those already facing barriers.
Belonging is a fundamental human need. It’s not some extra perk; it’s what helps us thrive. When people feel like they don’t belong, it takes a toll on mental health—leading to anxiety, depression, and even physical health issues like heart disease. DEI initiatives help foster this belonging, providing safety, representation, and support for marginalized communities.
Why Belonging = Better Mental Health
Here’s the thing: belonging and mental health are deeply connected. Feeling included boosts self-esteem, reduces stress, and even makes us more resilient when life throws curveballs. But when policies strip away DEI efforts, it creates an environment where people have to “fit in” instead of being accepted for who they are. And trust me, there’s a difference.
Brené Brown says it best: “Belonging is being accepted for you. Fitting in is being accepted for being like everyone else.” Without DEI, the pressure to conform skyrockets, and people lose the psychological safety that comes with being their authentic selves. It’s a recipe for disconnection and isolation.
What Does This Mean for Marginalized Communities?
For folks who already face systemic barriers—whether it’s people of colour, LGBTQ+ individuals, or neurodivergent people—this shift feels like a slap in the face. DEI programs are designed to address inequities and create opportunities for everyone to succeed. Without them, these communities are left vulnerable to discrimination, microaggressions, and exclusion.
Think about it: if you’ve ever worked in a place where you were the only person who looked like you or shared your lived experiences, you know how exhausting it is. It’s called the “minority tax,” and it takes a serious toll on mental health. DEI initiatives aim to lighten that load, but dismantling them means many will carry that weight alone.
What Can We Do?
This is a critical moment to double down on fostering belonging in our spaces—whether it’s at work, in schools, or within our communities. Even if governments are stepping away from DEI, the work doesn’t stop here. We all play a part in creating environments where people feel seen and valued.
At Supporting Your Journey, we’re committed to offering culturally sensitive care that helps people navigate the complexities of identity and belonging. Our goal is to create a space where clients feel safe to show up as their authentic selves, no matter what’s happening out in the world.
So…Belonging isn’t optional!
Trump’s actions might have shaken things up, but the importance of belonging remains the same. DEI isn’t just about diversity in numbers—it’s about inclusion in practice. It’s about making sure everyone feels like they matter.
So, let’s keep advocating for belonging, supporting mental health, and creating the kind of spaces where people can truly thrive. At the end of the day, belonging is what brings us together—and that’s something worth fighting for.
