This Fragile New World: Tales of Futures Without DEI in Higher Education

Since the 2023 Supreme Court decision, which declared race-conscious affirmative action in college admissions unconstitutional, the national climate for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts, especially those addressing racial and ethnic disparities in higher education, has undergone a dramatic shift. Most recently, presidential executive orders and state legislation aimed at dismantling DEI in higher education have resulted in many colleges not only eliminating their DEI offices and staff but also any program, initiative, and funding explicitly related to race and ethnicity. Drawing on the current discourse, the author utilizes Afrofuturism and future scenario planning to construct three different fictional stories to illustrate possible impacts, challenges, and strategies for navigating a future without formal structures that support DEI in higher education. Following each story, the author provides practical strategies for how institutions, DEI professionals, and DEI advocates can navigate these potential futures to maintain support for DEI.