This is FRESH air.
I'm Tonya Moseley.
And today we're discussing the rapid dismantling of diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives,
commonly known as dei, in both public and private sectors nationwide.
One side of the political spectrum praises dei,
often referring to it as a major step toward progress.
The other uses it as a slur.
An example of woke culture gone too far.
And it's become a challenge to debate its merits when we can't even agree on what it is.
The cascade to dismantle anything called DEI began
in January when President Trump issued executive orders to eliminate initiatives
within the federal government
and institutions that receive funding from the government.
Since then, states like Florida, Texas and Utah have banned DEI offices at public universities,
and companies like Pepsi and Disney and McDonald's have done away
or quietly shifted their focus away from initiatives that promote diversity,
equity and inclusion.
To help us understand the criticism, the developments and implications,
we're joined by two distinguished experts, Frank Dobbin,
professor of sociology at Harvard University, and Ella Washington,