Assembly Required with Stacey Abrams: Episode Summary Episode: Why DEI Scares Trump and Project 2025 and Why It Should
Release Date: January 16, 2025
Host: Stacey Abrams
Guest: Professor Kenji Yoshino, Director of NYU's Metzler Center for Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Introduction to DEI and Its Historical Significance

In this episode of Assembly Required with Stacey Abrams, hosted by Crooked Media, Stacey Abrams delves deep into the topic of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). She emphasizes that DEI is not a modern fad but a cornerstone of American progress, tracing its roots back over 240 years.

Stacey Abrams highlights the enduring nature of DEI:

"Since the country got started, DEI has been the way we've built ourselves. It's the way we've opened doors of opportunity for millions."
[00:00]

Abrams underscores that DEI encompasses more than just race and gender. It includes various laws and acts that have historically advanced equity in the United States, such as the 13th Amendment (abolishing slavery), the 19th Amendment (granting women the right to vote), Title IX (banning sex discrimination in education), the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Fair Labor Standards Act.

Personal Connection to DEI

Abrams shares a poignant personal story to illustrate the real-life impact of DEI policies:

"My grandfather was conscripted into World War II and the Korean War, and yet each time he returned home to Mississippi, he was legally denied the right to vote until he was in his 40s."
[04:30]

This narrative underscores the necessity of DEI in rectifying historical injustices and ensuring equal opportunities for all Americans.

The Current Threat: Trump Administration and Project 2025

The conversation shifts to the present-day challenges facing DEI, particularly with the incoming Trump administration's Project 2025, which aims to dismantle DEI initiatives.

Stacey Abrams warns of the administration's clear intent:

"With a second Trump administration about to begin, dismantling DEI is a top priority for his administration and Project 2025."
[06:17]

Project 2025 is depicted as a systematic effort to undermine DEI by reviving executive orders that block DEI initiatives within federal entities and encouraging legislative moves to restrict DEI practices in the private sector.

Guest Insight: Professor Kenji Yoshino

Kenji Yoshino, a constitutional law professor and director of NYU's Metzler Center for Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging, joins Abrams to provide expert analysis.

DEI as an American Ethos

Yoshino argues that DEI is intrinsically American, aligning with foundational values that have continually expanded the definition of "we the people."

"Our country began as a group of very propertied white male, landowning individuals who controlled everything. ... Every generation has tried to expand who counts as we the people."
[06:43]

Misconceptions and Backlash Against DEI

Yoshino addresses the recent backlash, including mockery by media outlets like The Daily Show that attribute societal failures to DEI.

"They [opponents] want to demonize diversity, they want to invalidate equity, and they really want to block inclusion."
[06:25]

He explains that this backlash is fueled by significant demographic shifts in the U.S., making DEI initiatives more visible and, consequently, more targeted by adversaries.

Legal Defense of DEI

A substantial portion of the discussion focuses on the legal landscape surrounding DEI, especially in light of the Supreme Court's decisions.

"I firmly, categorically and wholeheartedly reject that idea [that DEI is dead] because even in that decision the Supreme Court said ... you can still do it."
[24:52]

Yoshino breaks down the "three Ps" framework to assess the legality of DEI practices:

1. Preference: Affirmative action vs. leveling DEI practices.
2. Protected Group: Ensuring actions target groups protected under Title VII.
3. Palpable Benefit: Demonstrating that DEI actions provide tangible benefits without causing undue harm.

Strategies to Support DEI

Yoshino emphasizes the importance of proactive legal risk assessment and advocates for "leveling DEI," which focuses on removing biases to create a fair playing field rather than preferential treatment.

"Talent is everywhere, opportunity is not everywhere. Diversity, equity, inclusion closes the gap so that everyone can have a shot."
[47:55]

He advises individuals to:

• Engage in Allyship: Support marginalized groups and speak up against non-inclusive behaviors.
• Promote Universal Belonging: Frame DEI as a universal need for community and belonging, drawing from Maslow's hierarchy of needs.
• Practical Actions: Participate in employee resource groups, advocate for unbiased hiring practices, and educate oneself and others about the legal protections supporting DEI.

The Role of the Media and Public Perception

Both Abrams and Yoshino critique how the media sensationalizes and misrepresents DEI, often overshadowing the majority of organizations that continue to support DEI initiatives despite the backlash.

"The media is much more interested in the man bites dog story than in the dog bites man story."
[16:34]

They argue that a more nuanced understanding is necessary to effectively counteract the negative narratives surrounding DEI.

Conclusion: Mobilizing for DEI

In wrapping up, both speakers stress the urgency of mobilizing support for DEI in the face of political and legal challenges. They advocate for consistent, informed actions at individual and organizational levels to uphold and expand DEI principles.

Stacey Abrams concludes with actionable steps for listeners:

• Be Curious: Educate yourself about DEI.
• Solve the Problem: Embrace DEI terminology and counteract attacks by focusing on its core benefits.
• Do Good: Advocate for inclusive policies in your workplace or community.
• Start Conversations: Use examples from the episode to engage others in meaningful discussions about DEI.

Notable Quotes

1. Stacey Abrams on DEI's Legacy:

   "Since the country got started, DEI has been the way we've built ourselves. It's the way we've opened doors of opportunity for millions."
   [00:00]

2. Abrams on Personal Impact:

   "My grandfather was conscripted into World War II and the Korean War, and yet each time he returned home to Mississippi, he was legally denied the right to vote until he was in his 40s."
   [04:30]

3. Yoshino on DEI as American Values:

   "Our country began as a group of very propertied white male, landowning individuals who controlled everything. ... Every generation has tried to expand who counts as we the people."
   [06:43]

4. Yoshino's Elevator Pitch for DEI:

   "Talent is everywhere, opportunity is not everywhere. Diversity, equity, inclusion closes the gap so that everyone can have a shot."
   [47:55]

5. Yoshino on Legal Defense:

   "As a lawyer, I know you're a lawyer too, I think we can agree that the leveling stuff is never going to be illegal."
   [24:43]

Takeaways

• DEI is Foundational: Long-standing in American history, DEI is integral to societal progress and equality.
• Current Challenges: Political movements like Project 2025 pose significant threats to DEI initiatives.
• Legal Framework: Understanding and leveraging the legal protections around DEI are crucial for its defense.
• Actionable Steps: Individuals can support DEI through education, advocacy, and fostering inclusive environments.
• Unified Front: Mobilizing support for DEI requires collective effort and strategic communication to counteract misinformation and backlash.

Resources Mentioned:

• American Pride Rises Network: Founded by Stacey Abrams to defend and expand DEI.
• Advancing DEI at the Meltzer Center: A resource by Kenji Yoshino analyzing federal cases against DEI.

For further engagement and to support DEI initiatives, listeners are encouraged to visit American Pride Rises Network and Advancing DEI at the Meltzer Center.