Wright Street Connection

by Lorrie C. Reed, M.Div., Ph.D.

For many Americans, upward mobility has long been linked to the American Dream, which is the idea that hard work and persistence can open doors to better opportunities for individuals and their families. However, Black Americans have historically faced significant barriers to economic and social progress. The legacy of slavery, Jim Crow laws, and discriminatory practices like redlining have created lasting gaps in education, employment, and wealth. 

For years, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs have aimed to level the playing field. Their goal is to increase opportunities for marginalized groups by addressing systemic inequality at its core. For example, in education, DEI efforts include race-conscious admissions policies and targeted scholarships designed to help Black students access higher education. In the workplace, DEI initiatives promote fair hiring practices, mentorship programs, and bias training to reduce discrimination. Government and corporate supplier diversity programs also create more opportunities for Black-owned businesses to succeed. 

But beginning in 2023, major political and legal hurdles led to the dismantling of many DEI programs. According to the Center for Economic and Policy Research, the first sign of this dismantling appeared with Project 2025, which aimed to reverse Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies. The Supreme Court’s ruling in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard (June 29, 2023) ended affirmative action in college admissions, reducing opportunities for minority students. Republican lawmakers in more than 30 states have introduced or passed over 100 bills to restrict or regulate diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives during the recent legislative session, according to an analysis by NBC News. Corporations, under pressure from both political and legal sources, also scaled back their diversity hiring commitments and programs.

The impact was clear. Black enrollment at some leading universities dropped, minority-focused scholarships decreased, and hiring gaps continued. Progress in narrowing wage differences slowed, and funding for under-resourced schools in Black communities was further cut. Some Black-owned businesses also lost access to vital financial support and contracts due to legal issues. 

Despite these setbacks, alternative strategies emerged. Nonprofits and historically Black colleges strengthened partnerships with companies to create new opportunities. Some firms shifted to “skills-first” hiring, prioritizing qualifications over degrees, which benefited candidates from underserved backgrounds. States like California experimented with class-based policies, using economic need rather than race to determine support. Pay transparency laws in New York and Colorado have revealed wage gaps, prompting employers to adopt more equitable practices. 

The long-term effects of DEI rollbacks remain uncertain. While some workarounds have helped bridge gaps, systemic barriers persist. The fight for equitable access to upward mobility continues, but its future depends on ongoing advocacy, policy adjustments, and the resilience of grassroots efforts. 

References

Adams, C., & Chiwaya, N. (March 2, 2024). Maps: See which states have introduced or passed anti-DEI bills. NBC News. Retrieved from https://www.nbcnews.com/data-graphics/anti-dei-bills-states-republican-lawmakers-map-rcna140756

Allegretto, S. (May 27, 2025). DEI is necessary – and demographic analysis proves it. Center for Economic and Policy Research. Retrieved from https://cepr.net/publications/in-america-dei-is-needed/

Allen, J. R. (2020). Systemic racism and America today. Commentary. Brookings Institution. Retrieved from https://www.brookings.edu/articles/systemic-racism-and-america-today/

Brookings Institution. (January 9, 2024). Black wealth is increasing, but so is the racial wealth gap. Retrieved from https://www.brookings.edu/articles/black-wealth-is-increasing-but-so-is-the-racial-wealth-gap/

Maye, A. A. (June 23, 2023). Public colleges are more diverse than ever—but anti-DEI policies threaten that progress. Retrieved from https://www.epi.org/blog/public-colleges-are-more-diverse-than-ever-but-anti-dei-policies-threaten-that-progress/

U.S. Census Bureau. (2021). Income and poverty in the United States: 2020. Retrieved from https://www.census.gov/library/publications/2021/demo/p60-273.html

By Lorrie C. Reed, M.Div., Ph.D.

America is a multicultural society, a place that is home to diverse ethnic, racial, and national groups. Despite this diversity, the country currently struggles with pluralism and cultural assimilation, which are competing ideas about how to embrace different cultures. Currently, pluralism is losing ground in the ideological landscape.

Pluralism describes a society where various cultural groups coexist, each preserving its own identity while peacefully engaging in a shared community. It emphasizes the value of diversity and encourages mutual respect and understanding among different cultures. Groups interact and contribute to a common society without sacrificing their unique traditions. Pluralism fosters an inclusive environment where cultural differences are acknowledged and valued, leading to a more vibrant and diverse society.

Cultural assimilation is the process where individuals or groups from one culture adopt the customs, values, and behaviors of a dominant culture. In this process, the emphasis is on adopting the new culture, often at the expense of one’s original identity. Cultural assimilation can lead to a society where minority cultures may feel pressured to conform to the dominant norms, which can cause resentment or a loss of cultural uniqueness.

The United States was founded on the idea of pluralism, which was a groundbreaking concept at the time. The founders understood that a democracy would inevitably include a variety of opinions, beliefs, and interests. They aimed to build a system that allowed many groups to exist peacefully together instead of trying to suppress diversity. 

In 2025, democracy has suffered severe damage. Political polarization risks deepening the ideological gap and boosting hostility among political groups. Restoring our democracy requires bipartisan teamwork, breaking legislative gridlock, and openly discussing complex social issues that need different viewpoints. It’s time to reconnect with the core principles of democracy and care for the health of our diverse society.