The language of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) has become increasingly politicized, sparking deep division and debate across the United States. As these tensions grow, many of us face new constraints on how we talk about sensitive issues, both within institutions and in the public sphere. Yet these very constraints run counter to the essence of DEIB: making people feel safe, seen, heard, and valued.
Scrutiny from funders, university leadership, and policymakers has intensified, prompting heightened caution around terminology. Words once central to DEIB work—like systemic racism, white privilege, and intersectionality—are now often labeled as politically charged. In some regions, laws and institutional policies explicitly limit the use of such terms in education and research, making it harder to confront the inequities we know persist.
This trend threatens not only academic freedom, but also the integrity of DEIB efforts. When language is restricted, so too is our ability to identify and address the structures that produce harm and exclusion. In place of precise, grounded language, euphemisms like inclusive excellence or engaging equities are increasingly used. While these phrases may offer temporary cover, they risk diluting the urgency of the work itself and obscuring the realities that marginalized communities face.
Now more than ever, we must strike a delicate balance: pursuing honest, rigorous inquiry while navigating complex institutional and political barriers. This moment in time demands creativity, resilience, and above all, solidarity—to ensure that the heart of DEIB work remains intact, even as the world around us continues to shift.
Most importantly, we must not lose sight of the "B" in DEIB: Belonging. Diversity is a headcount. Equity is a policy. Inclusion is a seat, often at a lonely table. But belonging is a feeling, a culture, a commitment. As educators, researchers, and practitioners, our highest calling is to create spaces where every person feels genuinely seen, heard, and valued.