The Current State of DEI in the US: What is Worth Fighting For?

With so many school holidays fast approaching, there are many kids who need interventions right now, and their parents are panicking. Furthermore, the effects of the government shutdown are being felt as Head Start programs are having to close their doors. Families are scrambling, and we are witnessing significant shifts that are having a profound impact on our kids. Today’s guest shares her perspective on anti-DEI sentiment and the current state of our country, affecting both education and the corporate world. Nadine Jones is a 2003 graduate of Howard Law School, with a background in antitrust and corporate law as a general counsel. In January of 2025, she left that corporate position to work from home as a consultant. As the mother of a special-needs son, she has insight into what parents in the US face today. Show Highlights:Nadine’s perspective on the most immediate risks to legal compliance in the shutting down of DEI programsAnti-DEI sentiment, which causes major problems for contractors whose top customer is the federal governmentDiverse workforces and better marketplace competitionNadine’s advice for educators who want to do the right thing for their students (in lower and higher education)Ethical considerations when funding is not availableWhat was so attractive about eliminating DEI?Nadine’s thoughts about what’s coming and what our attitudes should beThe importance of letting the data ground what we doDEI work can go on, even when it’s not termed “DEI.”Resources:Connect with Nadine JonesWebsite and LinkedIn Contact us on social media or through our website for more information on the IEP Learning Center: www.inclusiveeducationproject.org.Thank you for listening!Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday. If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show on Apple Podcasts, Pandora, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Your rating and review help other listeners find this show. Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions or concerns: Facebook, Instagram, X, IEP Website, and Email.