“This isn’t just about government programs—it’s about dismantling decades of progress toward equity, inclusion, and justice. We call on elected leaders to stand firm against this dangerous agenda and protect the civil rights of all Americans.”
Today, Future Coalition, a national organization dedicated to empowering youth advocates and changemakers, is denouncing the Trump administration’s sweeping executive orders dismantling Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs within the federal government. The decision threatens the foundational principles of fairness and equality in public institutions while undermining critical efforts to address systemic inequities across the country.
“This action isn’t just an attack on federal workers—it’s an attack on every marginalized community striving for opportunity,” said Corryn G. Freeman, Executive Director of Future Coalition. “By eliminating these programs, the administration is signaling that it does not value equity or the fundamental rights of all Americans. It’s a blatant attempt to roll back decades of progress in the fight for civil rights.”
Youth Advocates Call for Action to Protect Equity and Justice
In its conversation with lawmakers, the Future Coalition is emphasizing that DEI initiatives have been vital for creating inclusive and equitable workplaces and ensuring that underrepresented communities have access to opportunities. The organization is calling on Congress and civil rights leaders to counteract this regressive agenda and uphold the principles of fairness enshrined in the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and other foundational laws.
“Eliminating DEI programs won’t create unity; it will deepen the divides that these initiatives aim to bridge,” Freeman continued. “Instead of dismantling these efforts, we need bold policies that address the systemic barriers that persist for women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and other marginalized groups. We will continue our work to expose the dangerous impact this will have on our communities throughout the country.”
The executive orders also signal a chilling precedent for the private sector, with the administration urging businesses to follow suit in eliminating DEI programs. Future Coalition warns that this could lead to a broader rollback of diversity initiatives in workplaces nationwide, further eroding hard-won gains in equality and representation.
In response to this harmful agenda, youth advocates are urging lawmakers to take immediate steps to protect civil rights and equity:
- Urging State Elected leaders to Reinforce and Expand DEI Programs: Pass legislation to protect diversity initiatives at the state level and incentivize the private sector to maintain (and expand) internal initiatives.
- Safeguard Civil Rights Protections: Ensure that longstanding civil rights laws, including protections for federal contractors, are fully enforced.
- Hold the Administration Accountable: Advocate for transparency and accountability in the implementation of these executive orders.
