Erasing DEI in Schools: A Blow to Student Equity and Social Work

By: Kaitlyn Martinez

Lead: As debates increase across the U.S. with the presence of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs within schools, some districts are deciding to dismantle these initiatives completely. For the many students, professors, and all licensed social workers, the removal of DEI shows a scary regression in efforts to all the hard work towards building equitable and inclusive learning environments.

The national coverage of DEI has become increasingly politically charged. DEI, which was seen as a framework to uplift marginalized communities and foster empathy, is now seen as a division and indoctrination by conservative politicians and lawmakers. Several schools are responding to how DEI is being framed negatively by agreeing with this idea, eliminating their own DEI protocols, and implementing a curriculum based on inclusivity. As a result of this, many educators, parents, and social workers fear we are entering a place where our freedom of speech is being prohibited. As a professor of the social work program at Molloy once said during a class of diversity, “ With the way the Trump Administration has made out DEI to be something bad, the class we are in now could be illegal and I could be arrested for teaching diversity”.( Dr.Meyers) Having to think that way is terrifying for many Americans, as we are the land of the free and have lived with such freedom to be able to express ourselves and educate others without fears of repercussion. America was once known as the dream, a place where migrants would come to be free as well, but now we are a land of limitations that is built on fear. 

One social worker affected by these policies and has watched the change over the years is Athea Long. Athea has been a clinical social worker for over twenty years. She has worked with students from different social work programs, in hospitals and homeless shelters, advocating for accessible and equitable care and culturally responsive practices. “The removal of DEI from classrooms creates a huge loss for students to have the opportunity to affirm and validate their identities and lived experiences”. Athea says that as a social worker, she saw firsthand how important it was for students to feel represented, especially those who come from marginalized communities and already face a lack of representation.

Athea pointed out that these programs have never been about who is superior or who to exclude; they are about including all voices, no matter the background, and granting them respect to be heard and seen. ”The point is to provide students the tools and resources they need to become successful no matter their gender, class, race, sexuality, or ability”  She says that removing DEI schools are at risk for falling into a one-size-fits all approach that does not serve or represent the whole student”. She also explains how DEI is aligned very clsoey with the core values of social work: service, social justice, ad the dignity and worth of the person. “Social Work is a career that is rooted deeply in advocacy. DEI is an extension of that advocacy within schools. When removing DEI, we are asking social workers to do their jobs with their hands tied behind their backs”.

The backlash against DEI is not about education or the safety of students, it is a political move against representation for diverse communities. DEI is more than race or identities, it also affects students with disabilities, mental health illnesses, and socioeconomic status. Some of the loudest voices that are against DEI are not working in the classroom or have experience with diverse communities, they are using this as a way to score political points without thinking of the consequences and backlash students will face.

The removal of DEI can eventually lead to a division, creating a wider gap for student outcomes, especially for those who are already struggling wit the limited resources and representation they have. Due to this, some repercussions can be a rise in disciplinary actions, increased numbers of poor mental health, and lower academic performances in schools where there is no cultural competency.

Athea says, “Without DEI, schools are less likely to and less prepared to meet students where they are. It is impossible to fully support a student with policies that actively work against them, silencing their experiences and challenges they may face in or outside classrooms”. In the absence of DEI programs, Athea encourages all educators and school social workers to still embed inclusive practices, even with just daily interactions with students. That alone can make a big difference as it will create a more welcoming environment. Social workers must continue to push for equity to restore justice and representation.  

She shared a recent experience she faced at the job she is in now. “I work with all white social workers, they have made complaints I am too loud or talk too much, when in fact I barely speak and hold myself back as I am aware I am the only black woman and fear I would get in trouble for talking in meetings”. She shares how she was given a final warning for her behavior when she was never given the chance to fight for her job. “ I only attend 2 meetings each month, as I work virtually, I can't take over meetings, as I barely go to any. “ As the chairperson of DEI at my job, I was completely disregarded and judged solely based on the color of my skin”. Her experience shows a taste of what many other workers of color or students of color will be facing. Without DEI, workplaces and schools will be able to openly discriminate against marginalized communities. The removal of DEI can discourage aspiring social workers and educators who get into the careers due to their passion for justice and inclusivity. This could be because the new system is set up to create an environment where people who are driven to change and equity are not welcomed

My Opinion:  The decision to dismantle DEI in schools is dangerous and life-changing for many. It ignores and denies the very real disparities that students face based on their differences. As a student of social work, I find it concerning that we are moving backwards in time,  just as more young people are becoming vocal about their needs, identities, and lived experiences. DEI is not a threat. It’s a framework that teaches and reminds us all to be more compassionate, thoughtful, and aware. It trains students and educators to work alongside each other and those who are different from them. It teaches us to respect everyone's differences and to embrace them, not hide them. I believe we need to protect and expand DEI in schools, not silence it. 

It should not be solely based on what these powerful politicians think, but also on the voices of the communities all over the United States. By removing DEI, we silence voices that have only just begun to be heard. Education should be a path to empowerment and knowledge. We simply cannot allow fear and politics to close the door on equity and justice. As social workers and as citizens, we must act to ensure that our schools reflect the inclusive values we claim to uphold and embrace every difference we come across.