Netizen Watch: “We the People” – In Defense of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Hello Fellow Netizens!

In April 2024, I wrote an article about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and why it matters—not just to me personally, but to the well-being of all Netizens in the United States and beyond. Nearly a year has passed since its release, and in honor of Black History Month, let’s revisit the major updates on DEI in the United States, with a focus on its impact on healthcare and health policy.

DEI: As of Today

The state of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the United States today is no secret. When President Trump took office in January 2025, he signed a flurry of executive orders, including one that ended the promotion of DEI within the federal workforce. The White House released the order, which states:

The Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), assisted by the Attorney General and the Director of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), shall coordinate the termination of all discriminatory programs, including illegal DEI and “diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility” (DEIA) mandates, policies, programs, preferences, and activities in the Federal Government, under whatever name they appear.

What followed since then was a wave of confusion, institutional damage and the removal of vital federal employees whose services help secure and strengthen our nation’s health and security. They include:

Removing and Erasing Black History

Earlier this month, controversy arose when the United States Air Force removed all mentions of the Tuskegee Airmen from its training videos. The Tuskegee Airmen broke barriers as the first African American Air Force squadron to serve during the Second World War. Their sacrifice, bravery, and determination in the face of danger and discrimination inspired generations of airmen who followed, particularly Black Americans aspiring to rise within the U.S. military.

It seems the Trump administration’s executive order was taken literally when the Air Force decided to erase their legacy, leading to backlash that ultimately resulted in the reinstatement of the original videos. Other federal agencies, including the Central Intelligence Agency and the Defense Intelligence Agency, have taken similar actions, removing references to Black history in compliance with the administration’s directive.

Most recently—just days before the publication of this article—the unprecedented removal of top-ranking military leaders, including Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. C.Q. Brown, a Black general and only the second to ever hold the position, further reinforces the idea that President Trump intends to reshape the government into a less diverse and inclusive institution.

Pulling Funding for Education and Dismantling the Department of Education

Since the announcement of President Trump’s executive action on DEI, schools across the country have faced orders to eliminate programs and practices designed to promote diversity within their institutions. If they do not comply, the looming threat of federal funding cuts could force educators—already operating under tight budgets—to follow the Trump administration’s agenda. However, how this complex undertaking would be implemented remains uncertain.

The Department of Education, for its part, issued a statement reaffirming its commitment to aligning with the Trump administration. However, its long-term role is now in question, given the possibility of its dismantling as a federal agency.

Most recently, the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee advanced the nomination of Linda McMahon as Trump’s Secretary of Education. McMahon, a staunch ally of the President, stated during her confirmation hearing that she supports shutting down the Department of Education and transferring its responsibilities to other branches of the federal government. She acknowledged that such a move would not be possible without congressional approval, foreshadowing what could happen if both the House and Senate align with the Trump administration’s agenda and maintain control over the legislative branch for the next four years.

Removing the Rights of Trans Americans

President Trump ran his campaign with a strong anti-trans message and has since fulfilled many of his promises to roll back trans rights. At the beginning of his term, he signed an executive order declaring that the federal government would recognize only two sexes and eliminating support for government programs or resources benefiting trans citizens.

Trans individuals are now officially barred from serving in the military, with those diagnosed with gender dysphoria subject to discharge. Additionally, military personnel and their families can no longer access gender-affirming care. The Trump administration’s rationale—that including trans service members undermines the effectiveness of the U.S. military—has faced strong opposition, with trans service members speaking out against the order and filing lawsuits.

Beyond the military, everyday trans and non-binary individuals are confronting a new reality under Trump, with one major issue making headlines: sex identifiers on U.S. passports. These disruptions have caused widespread anxiety and confusion for those who rely on federal identification for essential matters such as travel and finance.

Why These Matter For Health Policy

Docnetizen focuses on health policy issues, so you may be wondering why we covered the topics above. As discussed in previous articles, all policy is health policy! Every aspect of life—whether military regulations or educational standards—affects healthcare in some way, leading to significant socioeconomic consequences for our nation.

Let us examine these impacts through the lens of what the opposite of DEI would be (which is effectively what the Trump administration is advocating for and the resulting consequences of their policies):

The Opposite of DEI: Uniformity, Inequity, and Exclusion

• A decline in the performance and outcomes of healthcare facilities, supported by data from a 2019 research article.
• A decline in the quality of care for diverse patient populations, attributed to a lack of training diversity for medical students, as seen in a 2016 study.
• Increased rates of healthcare inequity for all, highlighted in a 2023 study.

These points have been emphasized in multiple Docnetizen articles. Needless to say, they remain critical issues that we, as a nation, must address in the long term.

One key takeaway I’d like to highlight is that while we often focus on traditionally underserved communities, all of us are affected by policies that promote Uniformity, Inequity, and Exclusion. They impact:

• White women
• Veterans
• Families seeking fertility treatments like IVF

We all have a stake in what the Trump administration has planned for DEI. If you feel like you haven’t been personally affected yet, it may only be a matter of time before you or a loved one experiences the consequences of federal cutbacks on protections.

What You Can Do

Docnetizen encourages all Netizens to remain proactive throughout the next four years of the Trump Administration. As from the last article, remember that you have the power and ability to do the following:

Talk about these issues with friends and family – While you may assume that everyone is aware of what has happened, they may not all interpret it the same way. Constructive and thought-provoking discussions foster a healthy environment for debate, whereas fighting or ignoring those who disagree with you does not.

Contact your local representative – If you live in a swing state or district, your voice as a constituent carries weight. Visit this link to find your representatives so you can send a letter or call their offices. As someone with experience on Capitol Hill, I can assure you, fellow Netizens, that your opinion matters to staffers who rely on voter input to better inform their Congressperson of your needs and concerns.

Engage in the civic process – If you are eligible and the time comes, go vote! Having elected officials who support your values can make a huge difference in which policies pass through the federal government. If you feel strongly and want to protest, exercise your constitutional right safely and effectively. This WIRED article offers a comprehensive guide on how to protest, and I highly recommend reading it if you are considering this route. Another great resource is this American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) article, which provides information about your rights as an American citizen regarding protest laws.

Thank you for reading this article! While the state of DEI remains grim, you can educate yourself on current issues to make informed decisions in your daily life. There will certainly be more articles covering healthcare and beyond, so be sure to follow us to stay up to date!

Until next time, fellow Netizens!

Featured Photo: Photo by fauxels: https://www.pexels.com/photo/colleagues-shaking-each-other-s-hands-3184291/

Photos in the article: Tuskegee Airmen – Toni Frissell, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.

Disclaimer: This article reflects the author’s own opinions and statements. They do not reflect the opinions or stances of any organization affiliated with the author.