DEI Under Threat in the U.S.: What It Means for the UK and Tania Gerard Digital
In recent months, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives have faced significant challenges in the United States. Federal and state-level policies, along with corporate cutbacks, have scaled back DEI programs under the guise of promoting merit-based systems. While these trends are concerning in the U.S., their potential influence on the UK and global inclusion efforts could have wide-reaching consequences.
As a neurodiversity trainer, advocate, and accessible marketing consultant, I view these developments as a reminder of why our work must continue. DEI is not an optional add-on but a vital part of creating fair, productive, and safe workplaces.
The U.S. Landscape: A Cautionary Tale
Recent actions in the U.S., including bans on DEI funding in public institutions across states like Texas and Florida, and federal orders dismantling DEI offices, represent a significant backlash of progress. These measures, along with Supreme Court decisions undermining affirmative action, set a troubling precedent for companies and governments globally.
Corporations like McDonald’s and Meta have scaled back their DEI initiatives, citing legal challenges and political opposition. This not only limits opportunities for underrepresented groups but also diminishes the diverse minds that drive creativity and success in the workplace.
Implications for the UK
While here in the UK we have our own cultural and legal frameworks, it is not immune to the influence of global trends. The UK has faced its own challenges, with economic pressures putting strain on inclusion initiatives. If DEI becomes a divisive issue here, we risk the destruction of programs that support marginalised communities, including that of neurodivergent individuals.
For neurodivergent people especially, these cuts would mean fewer accommodations in workplaces and education systems, fewer opportunities for advancement, and the reinforcement of systemic barriers. It’s crucial that the UK takes proactive steps to safeguard the progress we’ve made.
Why Tania Gerard Digital’s Work Is Essential
At Tania Gerard Digital, our mission is to make inclusion practical and impactful. Through neurodiversity training, accessible marketing consultancy, and advocacy, we work to create systems that transform and assist everyone. The developments in the U.S. highlight the urgency of continuing this work.
Here’s why our efforts remain critical:
Creating Inclusive Workplaces: Neurodivergent employees thrive when companies commit to building environments that value diverse thinking. Our workshops help companies make this a reality, quickly.
Accessible Marketing: Representation matters in marketing. By ensuring campaigns, content and websites are inclusive, we help brands and companies connect authentically with their clients and audiences.
Advocacy as Action: The retreat of DEI initiatives in the U.S. underscores the need for continued advocacy. By sharing insights, strategies, and success stories, we can drive inclusion across industries.
Moving Forward: A Call to Action
The challenges in the U.S. should motivate us to strengthen our efforts in the UK. Period. Companies must recognise DEI as an essential business practice, not a luxury. Inclusive practices are not only ethical but also profitable. Companies that incorporate these intiaitves and training see:
A healthier and more inclusive workforce
Reduced absences and improved retention
Increased productivity and efficiency
Higher levels of creativity
Improved customer relationships and service
Stronger team collaboration and culture
Enhanced talent attraction
Higher sales and business growth
Better legal compliance and reduced risk
Better, more refined leadership
For Tania Gerard Digital, this means expanding our work, forging partnerships with like-minded companies, creating more educational resources, and delivering impactful workshops.
Inclusion is essential. It is the foundation of thriving communities and successful businesses. As the U.S. steps back, let’s ensure the UK steps up, leading the way in showing what is possible when equity is prioritised over exclusion.
You can bet this has made us even more determined to fight for what’s right.
Tania Gerard - Tania Gerard is the creator of the term Accessible Marketing'(™) and creator of the IMPACT™ Framework.
Sources:
https://nypost.com/2024/12/29/business/was-2024-the-year-dei-fell-apart/?
https://apnews.com/article/diversity-dei-goals-companies-lawsuits-eb052e0b420824485041263b7df1f715?
https://consent.yahoo.com/v2/collectConsent?sessionId=3_cc-session_ff2c31a9-a8d2-4c00-936c-44ee2d795720
https://www.insidehighered.com/news/diversity/race-ethnicity/2025/01/21/qa-experiences-dei-professionals-under-dei-bans?
https://apnews.com/article/trump-executive-orders-dei-7ef0bf4ce1d465f6b61f3fcfde544593