Tabor Neighbors!
We all have seen and some of us have experienced the backlash against DEI, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. The current federal administration has made this issue a focal point of its culture war against the liberal left and businesses and governments that want to address decades of unfair treatment and discrimination toward populations of color.

The results of the Administration’s work in both the public and private sector is a mixed bag. While it has targeted law firms, large corporate entities and even its own federal agencies, the results of its efforts are not resounding. Among some, there is a backlash to attempts at ending programs that benefit people of color. One of the reasons is the fact that people of color are growing in population in this country and recognize much of the “DEI” dismantling is aimed at them.

Here in King County, people of color are an ever increasing segment of the population. Asian, Hispanic and Black individuals all increased population in the county with the “majority” population actually declining. This trend is continuing and the population of people of color has steadily increased each year.

While there is much focus on eliminating or reducing opportunities for people of color, the people are pushing back. And while it would be nice to say that everyone boycotting stores and the like, are people of color, the reality is that both people from the majority and minority populations are joining forces to reward those who value DEI and punish those who do not. Our local major retailer, Costco, has rejected attempts to reduce its commitment to DEI and has seen its stock price soar along with increases in revenue. While most name brands have quietly modified their “DEI” efforts and worked to keep their profile low on the issue, a few others have joined Costco. Notably, the Marriott Hotels CEO, which operates 8700 hotel properties throughout the world, announced the firm would not abandon its DEI efforts. In 24-hours, he received 40,000 supportive emails, mostly from the chain’s employees.

I mention these efforts and their current status to highlight the fact that, while sometimes the road is hard and our efforts to grow our businesses seem futile, there are those in powerful places who are working to address injustice. The work of Costco, Marriott and many other private sector entities that have taken a stand against discrimination and racism, is admirable and an example for all of us.