Business and civic support for diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives remains strong across the Ocean State.
But as this week’s cover story reports, federal efforts to dismantle DEI efforts are taking a toll on local groups that promote those initiatives. And some businesses, too, are at least weighing ongoing investments amid federal pressure and shifting public sentiment for such programs.
The Rhode Island Black Business Association says it has already lost funding, including grants, and has had to cut staffing and programming.
“It’s hard not to feel targeted and bullied by [President Donald Trump’s administration],” said Lisa Ranglin, CEO and president of the association.
Diversity & Inclusion Professionals Inc. board President Kevin Matta says continuing to promote and support statewide DEI efforts this year has cost the nonprofit sponsors and led to funding restrictions.
“We’ve seen a definite shift in dollars,” Matta said. And some traditional sponsors also will not speak publicly on DEI for fear of federal retribution, let alone provide financing, he said.
While DAIP remains committed to its work, it is also “expanding [its DEI] language” to avoid losing more sponsors, Matta said.
Some employers are continuing DEI programs but quietly limiting public references, apparently to avoid federal scrutiny.
Critics of DEI programming say this is because companies are recognizing such efforts are not good business.
Ranglin, for one, says supporters of the initiatives need to challenge that narrative.
“Companies have to stand by and speak up,” she said.