Let’s Talk About It: DEI in 2025

In this Let’s Talk About It blog, I want to reflect on the surge of interest in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) that followed the murder of George Floyd in 2020. Before this, in librarianship, DEI was often seen as an optional topic, a “nice-to-have” rather than a necessity. When the shift happened, I couldn’t shake the feeling that much of it felt surface-level and performative rather than genuine. It felt like people were more concerned with distancing themselves from being labeled racist than committing to the hard, ongoing work after reading that anti-racist book or attending that DEI workshop. 

One moment that still stands out to me is when I reviewed How to Be Less Stupid About Race: On Racism, White Supremacy, and the Racial Divide by Crystal Marie Fleming. I wrote, “It is almost as if someone from the current administration has read this book.” This was in reference to the fierce opposition to teaching critical race theory (CRT) that had begun to take root. Christopher Rufo, the white man who spearheaded the attack on CRT in grade schools, strategically weaponized citations and scholarship to fuel his agenda. His work laid the foundation for a broader assault on CRT and DEI, which brings us to the present day, where “woke” is used so much that I am mad that people outside of my culture even know the term. It truly is a wild time that we are living in.  

Here we are in 2025, dealing with the second term of the same administration I called out in that blog post about Fleming’s book. This time, the hatred for DEI isn’t just simmering—it’s boiling over. They’ve got control of every branch of government, and some of the wealthiest men in the world are standing right behind them, funding their every move. It’s clear as day that they’re using their power to take things to a whole new level, and they’re not even trying to hide it.

Writing this blog post might be risky if it falls into the wrong hands, but my goal is to share my perspective as a Black woman in librarianship. Never in my wildest dreams did I think that the push for DEI would lead to such dangerous repercussions.

Today, librarians are facing lawsuits, fines, and even jail time for doing the work of DEI. Protestors at our conferences accuse us of being groomers and pushing “agendas.”All we’re doing is ensuring that people have access to books that reflect diverse voices and experiences, not just those of the dominant culture, and somehow, that’s seen as a threat in their eyes. How did we get here, and more importantly, how do we move forward?

Here’s what I believe:

1. Keep telling your story. Share your experiences and the stories of marginalized communities. These narratives matter—they always have. 
2. Keep doing the work. In some states, DEI has been outlawed by name, but that doesn’t mean we stop. We adapt. This is a moment to rise to the challenge, not fold under pressure.
3. Strengthen your community. Reach out to colleagues, especially those in isolated environments. Check-in on those who carry the weight of DEI work in their roles or who consistently speak out against injustice.
4. Take care of yourself. Institutions won’t love you back, but your people will. Protect your well-being, set boundaries, and take breaks when you need them. Don’t let anyone make you feel guilty for prioritizing yourself.

The fight for equity in librarianship is as vital as ever. The backlash we’re facing shows just how necessary this work remains. Let’s remember that our resilience is rooted in our communities and in our care for one another. This isn’t just about surviving; it’s about thriving in the face of adversity. We matter. Our work matters. Let’s keep going, together.

As you reflect on this, I’d love to hear your thoughts. How have you been navigating these challenges in your own work or community? What strategies or practices have helped you stay committed to DEI, even in the face of resistance? How do you see the role of libraries evolving in this climate? Please share your reflections, experiences, and ideas in the comments. This is an ongoing conversation, and your voice is an important part of it.