Racism Is Not Okay - DEIB Matters, Period

This is the most obvious statement I have ever written: Racism is not okay.

I've been shell-shocked watching laws and policies - hard-fought protections - overturned with the stroke of a pen. These aren't just words on paper; they're lifelines for marginalized communities and symbols of progress that took decades to achieve.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) matter. Period. Full stop.

This isn't about politics or executive orders. This is about being a decent human being.

If you're a business choosing to roll back DEIB initiatives, let's call it what it is: a reflection of the kind of organization you are.

And as consumers, we get to vote with our dollars.

I won't eat at Chick-fil-A because they've repeatedly funded organizations that work against LGBTQ+ rights. I don't shop at Hobby Lobby because they force their religious beliefs onto their employees, even dictating their access to healthcare.

Instead, I'll happily spend more at places like Costco - businesses that stand for something greater than their bottom line.

Here's the truth: DEIB isn't just a "nice thing to do."

It's also GOOD for business.

As I wrote in my article "How the Black Lives Matter Movement Might Just Save Us From Our Economic Crisis" in 2020, companies that actively disrupt groupthink by prioritizing diversity see 19% higher profitability.

Diversity isn't just a moral imperative - it's a business advantage.

The rollback of these policies is a step backward, but I refuse to let it define how we move forward. As leaders, consumers, and advocates, we can hold the line. We can make it clear that inclusion isn't optional - it's essential.

So let these businesses learn firsthand what happens when they choose exclusion over equality - because we'll stand united, and we'll take our dollars elsewhere.

And we'll continue to fight for workplaces - and a world - where everyone belongs.

If you believe your career should grow in an environment that sees your full humanity, the framework for getting there is at TheoryOfHireability.com.