By Monique Duson
I was recently interviewed on a podcast where the interviewer said, “Now that Trump has won the presidency, thankfully he’ll get rid of Biden’s racist DEI policies. What do you think will be a better way forward?” I responded, “Are you sure he’ll get rid of DEI? I’m not sure I see it that way.” I tried to give a quick response, but when big questions come at the tail end of an interview, there’s never enough time – so I thought I’d share some of my thoughts on DEI here.
Since the election, one of the main concerns is that Trump’s win will throw America back into pits of racism and that black lives will be endangered. People see this happening through the rescinding of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) initiatives supported under the Biden-Harris presidency.
My views about the biblical foundation for many standard DEIB practices have evolved in recent years. After reading the primary literature on DEIB over the last few months, I’ve become more familiar with the deeper structural issues behind the framework. There was a time in our recent history when, because of real, blatant discrimination, initiatives like DEI or affirmative action were taken to correct the gross injustices occurring within our nation. But I now believe that much of what flies under the banner of DEIB is at cross purposes with the biblical worldview.
Many DEIB policies don’t promote a biblical standard for equity (using the same standards to judge all – Ps. 9:8, Ps. 67:4, Isa. 11:4). Instead, they tend to introduce unequal weights and measures in important areas. Because DEIB is primarily concerned with issues of equity, I will offer the definition of equity, as put forward by the Biden-Harris administration:
The term “equity” means the consistent and systematic fair, just, and impartial treatment of all individuals, including individuals who belong to underserved communities that have been denied such treatment, such as Black, Latino, and Indigenous and Native American persons, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and other persons of color; members of religious minorities; lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) persons; persons with disabilities; persons who live in rural areas; and persons otherwise adversely affected by persistent poverty or inequality.
Proponents of DEIB often argue that the presence of disparities or inequities automatically proves the discrimination. This standard is different from the biblical standard of equity. And it is this kind of reductionist thinking that can truncate needed inquiry into real causes of injustices. If Christians want to stand for a biblical standard of equity, then we must also be willing to investigate individual behaviors and government policies according to God’s standards, not just the outcomes of groups.
For example, in 2023, the Supreme Court effectively ended affirmative action in college admissions when it ruled against race-conscious admissions programs in the case of Students for Fair Admissions, Inc. v. President and Fellows of Harvard College and Students for Fair Admissions, Inc. v. University of North Carolina. There have also been more than a handful of “reverse discrimination” lawsuits (an idea I don’t subscribe to) where white employees are suing their employers for unjust treatment based on their race.
I think these decisions are more consistent with a biblical standard of equity. But these situations have also led some to believe that DEIB is on life-support, simply waiting for Trump to pull the plug. I am skeptical that’s the case. Even if Trump were to pull the plug on DEIB in the military and larger federal government, there are still several areas where DEIB thrives that are outside of his purview. On one side of the fence are fearful liberals. On the other side are conservatives who, in my opinion, are prematurely excited about a possible revocation of DEIB, many anticipating an immediate halt to many of the initiatives conservatives see as unconstitutional and unjust.
When considering the revocation of DEIB, it’s important to think about states’ rights. The Tenth Amendment reserves powers not explicitly granted to the federal government to the states, allowing states to independently govern areas such as education, public services, and employment within their jurisdictions. This could potentially include the power to create and enforce DEIB initiatives, as long as they don’t violate the Constitution. Under state jurisdiction, schools, businesses, medical/psychological services, and state government policies can still have strong DEIB influence.
There are mixed opinions from pundits about what the future may hold for DEIB policies. A November 2024 article in Forbes puts forth a hopeful, even rejuvenated, position that DEIB is here to stay. However, this article on Reuters isn’t so optimistic.
3 Reasons That I Think Liberals May Be Fearing, and Conservatives May Be Cheering, Prematurely
States can enact DEIB Initiatives (aka: “anti-discrimination laws”).
States can pass or strengthen “anti-discrimination laws” to protect socially defined marginalized groups in employment, housing, education, and public accommodations, even if federal protections are weakened. For example, in California, my home state, Gov. Newsom passed legislation that ensures protections for LGBTQ+ youth, including sanctuary status, which provides safe haven for LGBTQ+ minors facing discrimination or persecution from their families or home states. Because of state autonomy, states can establish protections for their residents.
States can mandate DEIB in state agencies and provide funding for programs.
Even if (hypothetically) Trump declares a full cease-and-desist on all federally funded DEIB policies and initiates, individual state governments can still potentially require all public institutions, including schools, universities, and state agencies, to implement DEIB policies, training programs, and equity strategies to ensure so-called inclusivity and social justice policies. State governments can advance DEIB through DEIB offices, committees, and projects. States can set aside funds (largely provided through taxes) for these initiatives should federal funding be discontinued for DEIB efforts.
States can promote DEIB in public schools.
Individual states are responsible for their public schools’ curricula and can require schools to adopt and educate students from DEIB standpoints and ensure equity initiatives are maintained. For more information on equity initiatives in school, check out San Diego’s Unified School District Equity and Belonging Initiative.
State autonomy isn’t everything, however. There are at least three ways that I believe President-elect Trump can impact DEIB, even at state levels, and with tremendous impact.
3 Ways I Think DEIB Could Change Under Trump’s Presidency
New executive orders could potentially roll back equity policies from the Biden administration.
A Trump presidency could rescind, or at least revise, executive orders on racial equity. For example, Executive Order 13985, Executive Order 14035, and Executive Order 14020 are all federally funded initiatives to advance racial and gender equity and prioritize these efforts in historically marginalized communities and workplaces.
The Trump administration could potentially defund federal DEIB Programs.
Federal funding for DEIB programs in education, healthcare, and government agencies could be significantly reduced or eliminated.
The Trump administration could potentially shift judicial appointments in a more conservative direction.
Appointing conservative judges who oppose DEIB-related policies could lead to rulings that weaken or overturn existing federally funded DEIB programs.
Considering some of the executive orders that have been passed and laws that have been instituted within varying states, it is right to pray that God would grant us leaders who would establish laws that honor God and the citizens of our nation (Prov. 28:2, Prov. 29:2, 1Tim. 2:1-2). We need leaders who will not only fight for the rights of all citizens (when and if needed) but who actually understand what a woman is and do not simply use the term “woman” as cover to provide protections for a man who now identifies as a woman. That is not true protection.
Regardless of what you or I think about DEIB initiatives and policies (even those put in place before the Biden-Harris administration) and regardless of what actually happens with DEIB moving forward, Christians ought to seek biblical wisdom on these issues. Here are three ways that Christians can live out a personal ethos of biblical unity and justice—regardless of the president or policy that is in power.
3 Ways to Promote the Gospel and Biblical Unity (regardless of who’s in leadership or what the Policies are)
Treat people fairly and equally.
Remember that all people are created in the image of God, with equal dignity, value, and worth. Even if someone chooses a lifestyle that does not align with the Christian faith, our responsibility is to lovingly share the message of the gospel
Christians must also be wise in hiring practices and ministry appointments. It is not unloving to protect Christian businesses, churches, schools, and other establishments. We can evangelize and love those we disagree with while simultaneously protecting the legacy of our institutions.
Pray for the nation and its leaders.
The Trump-Vance administration will not be the all-encompassing saviors that America needs. That’s because what our nation truly needs—at its core—is a movement of the Holy Spirit and large-scale repentance. Jesus is the Savior that America needs. Pray that, in His grace, leaders would arise, both from within the church and within our government, who have a heart to boldly proclaim the gospel, to honor God and this nation, and to create policies that are actually good, fair, and just.
Get involved locally.
Much of the impact of DEIB policies for regular Americans will be on the local level—in schools, workplaces, jails, and local judiciary branches. This is why we encourage Christians to be involved in local politics and workplace leadership. Maybe you can serve on your local library board, be a voice of reason on your company’s DEI committee, or run for city council. It’s also important to stay aware of what’s being put forward on ballots by your city and state government. Vote for people and policies that align with a more biblically faithful worldview. Honestly, no politician will be perfect. Many will be messy. But at times that may mean voting for the person with “less mess.”
Regardless of what happens with DEIB, as Christ followers we have work to do. The need for everyday people to share the Gospel with friends and family is very great. The need to disciple existing Christians what it means to live out the Faith is also great. “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20). May God grant us wisdom, boldness, and grace in the days ahead.
January 29, 2025 Update:
In the last nine days, we’ve seen Trump strongly come against DEIB in the federal government and military. Companies like Target and Walmart are also saying that they will be rolling back their DEIB policies. I am grateful to see that there is a growing cultural shift away from these discriminatory practices. It could be a win for our nation. However, I receive this “win” with caution.
Maybe I am too skeptical. Perhaps I simply don’t trust the promises of our government. I can own that. But before I throw myself into unbridled celebrations I believe we need to ask questions. What prompted these companies to shift their positions when they’ve shoved DEIB down our throats for, at least, the last 4 years? Are they simply shifting to a more conservative position, because they can see the current writing on our political walls is inked in red? Do CEO’s really see the damage done through these policies, or will their pendulum swing back when conservatism isn’t en vogue? I don’t know.
I’m grateful for a president and vice president who see the glaring issues with DEIB and are working to undo some of what the last administration did. I hope that policies both federally and at the local level continue to change. I also pray that God will change hearts.