Is diversity, equity, and inclusion worth fighting for in the face of anti-diversity, equity, and inclusion attacks: Tensions and possibilities

We are living in uncertain times across the globe. From climate disasters, wars, rise in hate, attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), we are witnessing turmoil that has left no space untouched. Histories are being re-written, intolerance is on the rise, there is growing fascism and nationalism, and increasing incidents of state-sanctioned violence against citizens. Gains that were made over the last decades toward greater equity and inclusion in society are being rolled back. This has impacted all levels of education including students, educators, and communities. With DEI initiatives and programs under attack, this article explores if it is worth fighting for, notwithstanding critiques by some scholars who argue that DEI has failed to address systemic inequities and has become a mechanism by which educational institutions can appear to be antiracist or social justice-oriented while avoiding any meaningful engagement with race, racism, or whiteness. In this opinion piece, I argue that it is important to engage with the inherent tensions in DEI and push back against anti-DEI efforts while forging new paths for critical praxis.