EP136: PANEL | Leaders Call for Active Resistance Against Anti-DEI Measures at National Action Network (NAN) Annual Convention

In The Margins

In this episode, we revisit a thought-provoking panel discussion from the National Action Network’s 2024 Convention held April 10-13 in New York City. Led by moderator Dr. Jamal E. Watson, esteemed panelists Kimberlé Crenshaw, Stephanie Ruhle, Dr. Alvin Tillery, Dr. Michael Eric Dyson, and Dedrick Asante-Muhammad delve into the profound impact of anti-diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) legislation.

The panelists explore the widespread attack on DEI initiatives across various sectors, including higher education and corporate America. Their discussion on legal challenges, political strategies, and the role of misinformation are dissected highlights an urgent need for proactive action and community organizing. They stress the importance of unity, solidarity, and demanding accountability from institutions and elected officials.

Tune in to gain insights into the ongoing struggle for social justice and discover actionable steps toward meaningful change in today’s polarized landscape.

KEY POINTS:

- There is a concerted effort to undermine DEI initiatives in education and corporate sectors.

- Legal challenges against DEI-focused agencies underscore the need for proactive counter-measures.

- Political strategies aimed at suppressing racial justice movements are contextualized within broader agendas.

- Misinformation shapes public perception of DEI initiatives, and the importance of countering false narratives.

- The corporate response to anti-DEI efforts demonstrates the need for accountability and meaningful diversity initiatives.

- Community organizing and activism is essential in challenging anti-DEI legislation and corporate practices.

- Calls for collective action and consequences for institutions undermining DEI efforts underscore the urgency of sustained pressure and activism.

- There is a critical need for unity and solidarity across communities in combating systemic racism and promoting equity.

- There is a demand for justice with bold advocacy and media coverage.

- Allies from privileged backgrounds are urged to stand up against attacks on DEI and advocate for truth and justice within their communities.

- Actionable steps, including organizing and mobilizing against injustices, are essential for progress.

QUOTABLES:

“We have to start from a place of truth and realize those who are attacking DEI are not playing fairly, they're playing dirty. And I'm not saying you have to fight dirty with dirty, but open your eyes and bring a weapon to the fight.” - Stephanie Ruhle

“His (Martin Luther King Jr.) high intelligence occasioned lethal opposition, because nothing is as dangerous as a Black person with a brain.” - Dr. Michael Eric Dyson

“One of the things we have to recognize is that this is not just an attack on a policy, it's an attack on a people, and that people would be us.” - Kimberlé Crenshaw

GUEST RESOURCES:

Leaders Call for Active Resistance Against Anti-DEI Measures | Diverse: Issues In Higher

Education (diverseeducation.com)

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Closed captioning and a live show transcription are available in the video for this episode.

In The Margins is produced by Diverse: Issues In Higher Education and edited by EPYC Media Network (visit at https://www.epyc.co/).