People of color have long faced systemic barriers in the workplace—whether it be biased hiring practices, limited access to professional networks, or the underrepresentation in leadership positions across many industries. Despite the qualifications and abilities they bring to the table, individuals of color have been overlooked and discriminated against. President Trump’s executive orders dismantling Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs threaten to further exacerbate these challenges by removing policies that sought to create a fairer, more inclusive workforce. These actions directly impact people of color who have already been disadvantaged by bias and discrimination, making it even more difficult for them to secure jobs, receive promotions, and thrive in their careers.

If these changes remain in place, the already fragile progress toward workplace equity will be reversed. Dismantling DEI programs under the guise of “merit-based” hiring fails to address the hidden biases that prevent people of color from accessing equal opportunities. Without these protections and initiatives, many qualified candidates will continue to face systemic obstacles that hinder their career advancement and job opportunities. By removing DEI efforts, the opportunity for diversity, innovation, and fair representation in the workplace could significantly decline. It could also foster an environment where discrimination is normalized, leaving people of color vulnerable to more marginalization and exclusion.

Now is the time to act because the rollback of DEI initiatives could have long-lasting consequences. As companies and government agencies begin to dismantle diversity programs, we risk slipping backward into a workforce where equality is only an ideal, not a reality. People of color, who have already faced historic disadvantages, need these programs to ensure they have equal access to opportunities based on their merit and qualifications. Immediate action is required to protect the rights of people of color in the workplace and to prevent the erosion of progress made over the last several decades. We must demand policies that ensure everyone, regardless of race, has a fair shot at success.

We call for immediate action to:

 1. Reaffirm Legal Protections Against Discrimination:

 • Reinforce anti-discrimination laws to protect people of color from discrimination in hiring, promotions, and other workplace decisions.

 • Close legal loopholes that allow employers to bypass discrimination laws and ensure more robust enforcement of existing protections.

 2. Mandate Transparency and Accountability in Hiring Practices:

 • Require companies and federal contractors to publicly report their diversity statistics in hiring, promotions, and pay equity to ensure they are working to eliminate bias.

 • Implement ongoing unconscious bias training for all hiring managers and staff to prevent unconscious discrimination from affecting job opportunities.

 3. Create Accessible Pathways to Opportunity:

 • Expand government-backed mentorship programs for underrepresented groups, helping people of color connect with industry leaders and professional networks.

 • Invest in job readiness and educational resources to provide people of color access to targeted skills training, scholarships, and professional development programs.

 4. Ensure Strong Enforcement of Equal Opportunity Laws:

 • Increase support for the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and other agencies to enhance their ability to investigate and address claims of workplace discrimination effectively.

 • Hold companies accountable for not meeting non-discrimination standards, ensuring consequences for discriminatory practices.

 5. Support a Culture of Diversity and Inclusion:

 • Encourage companies to create inclusive work environments where diversity is celebrated and all employees, regardless of race, have an equal chance to succeed.

 • Provide incentives for companies that are proven leaders in diversity and inclusion, helping set a benchmark for others to follow.

Diversity and inclusion are not just buzzwords—they are essential to creating workplaces that reflect the society we want to build. By supporting policies that protect people of color and ensure equal access to opportunity, we strengthen not only the workforce but the very fabric of our nation. Diversity strengthens innovation, fosters creativity, and ensures that businesses and organizations thrive by bringing in a wide range of perspectives.

The fight for equality is far from over, and we must not let efforts to dismantle DEI programs lead to more discrimination. Everyone deserves a chance to succeed based on their skills and qualifications, and we must demand that the systems in place support that.

While this petition highlights the specific struggles faced by people of color, the call for fairness and equal opportunity extends to all marginalized communities who benefit from DEI programs.

Sign this petition to send a clear message: we will not allow discrimination to go unchecked, and we will fight for a future where opportunity is truly equal for all.