Let’s Stop Demonizing DEI, and Start Achieving It

At last, someone with some common sense in their head, some basic humanity in their heart, and some fundamental democratic values in their soul – is speaking out. Many someones, actually. Indeed, a coalition of dozens of progressive groups representing millions of Americans is uniting in straightforward populist opposition to the far-out right wing’s loopy assault on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Bizarrely, Trump’s menagerie of extremist Republican politicos has been waging a furious war against these basic egalitarian ideals, trying to turn DEI into a partisan bugaboo. That’s goofy and ultimately self-defeating, for they are asking voters to reject their lifelong admiration for these positive social goals. Consider the value of D, E, and I: One, diversity . That’s “us,” the marvelous mix of common people, cultures, and beliefs that gives America vitality and resilience. Two, equity . That’s just another word for “fairness,” so why do they want to demonize that? Three, inclusion . Hello – that’s what “democracy” means – we all belong and our voice matters. Yet, the Trumpians are using brute authoritarianism to try ripping these core democratic values out of the fabric of our society. And, pathetically, many major corporate powers, universities, media outlets, and other institutions that ought to stand against these Orwellian dictates, have pusillanimously capitulated, hoping the GOP’s imperious regime will reward them with financial favors. When institutions fail the people, We the People have to rise up. That’s the momentous rallying cry of some 70 nationwide groups of gutsy democracy fighters organized by Color of Change to stand up for the invaluable Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion that make America… America! To connect, go to ColorOfChange.org . Jim Hightower's Lowdown is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jimhightower.substack.com/

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Let’s Stop Demonizing DEI, and Start Achieving It is an episode from Jim Hightower's Radio Lowdown by Jim Hightower.

This episode is 2:10 long.

This episode was published on Mar 19, 2026.

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