A Return to Intolerance: How DEI Abolishment Echo a Dangerous History
Why It's Time for White Voices to Defend Equality and Justice
“Once widely respected as a symbol of American excellence and a global icon of cultural achievement, the Smithsonian Institution has, in recent years, come under the influence of a divisive, race-centered ideology. This shift has promoted narratives that portray American and Western values as inherently harmful and oppressive. For example, the Smithsonian American Art Museum today features “The Shape of Power: Stories of Race and American Sculpture,” an exhibit representing that “[s]ocieties including the United States have used race to establish and maintain systems of power, privilege, and disenfranchisement.” The exhibit further claims that “sculpture has been a powerful tool in promoting scientific racism” and promotes the view that race is not a biological reality but a social construct, stating “Race is a human invention.”’ Excerpt from the Executive Order issued by Donald Trump on March 27, 2025.
Where are the Allies?
There is a trend on TikTok and other arenas where white people are calling on black people to step up and support the resistance efforts and are saying, “Where are the Black People?” First of all, black people do not owe us anything. Black people, especially black women, have been supporting us and standing arm in arm with us as we have made substantial changes to US policies and perceptions - from the right for women to vote, to the allowance and protection of abortion rights, to civil rights and fair housing, black people have stood by our side. They did their job. 92% of black women voted for Kamala Harris this past election. They have been outspoken and vocal about the dangers of the Trump Administration. They saw this coming.
What we really need to be asking ourselves is, “Where are the Allies?” Where are the white people right now to support marginalized communities that have been the target of the Trump regime’s policies and actions? How are we stepping up to be an ally? Why are we letting black history, Native American history, immigrant, and LGBTQIA+ history be erased?
I know there is SO MUCH to focus on. That’s the point. The “shock and awe” campaign is designed to overwhelm us. If we are not careful, we will miss our window to make a real impact regarding the ethnic cleansing and eugenics that are taking place in our country right now.
Echoes of the Past: Comparing Trump's DEI Abolishment to Hitler's Early Discriminatory Measures
Trump’s Gilded Age
With all of the noise of everything the Trump Administration is doing right now, we are missing the detrimental impact of Trump’s executive orders and policies that go beyond just “DEI,” as if that were not enough. Trump is using the term DEI to systematically further the oppression of BIPOC, LGTBQIA+, Disabled Individuals, and Women. Why? White men want to rule the world again. They are pining for the last Gilded Age (roughly from the 1870s to the early 1900s) that was marked by industrial growth, political corruption, economic inequality, technological advancements, and a rising tension between wealthy elites and working-class Americans. White men were in control. Superiority wasn’t a question, it was the only answer.
White men ascribed themselves to the idea of Social Darwinism, a belief that society operates on the same principles as natural selection, which was often used to justify economic inequality and the concentration of wealth. This ideology suggested that the "fittest" individuals would rise to the top, while the "unfit" would remain at the bottom. It was often used to justify the exploitation of workers and the exclusion of marginalized groups, including Black People, Native Americans, and immigrants. Racial segregation and discrimination, particularly in the South, were pervasive during this period. Even poorer white men could feel superior because they were white.
Sound familiar?
Hitler’s Drive to the “Final Solution”
The Nazi regime's ethnic cleansing and genocidal policies evolved over several years, beginning with discriminatory laws and escalating to mass murder. From its ideological beginnings as early as Mein Kampf (1925), to the Enabling Act of 1933, which allowed Hitler to rule by decree and laid the groundwork for totalitarian control, to the Nuremberg Laws (1935) that stripped Jews of citizenship and prohibited marriage or sexual relations between Jews and "Aryan" Germans, Jews were increasingly marginalized from public life, barred from professions, and socially ostracized. This escalated to Kristallnacht (Night of Broken Glass, November 9-10, 1938), a state-sanctioned pogrom in which synagogues, Jewish businesses, and homes were destroyed, and thousands of Jews were arrested and sent to concentration camps. It continued with mass deportations, the establishment of ghettos to segregate Jews, and Einsatzgruppen (mobile killing units) conducting mass shootings of Jews and other perceived enemies in occupied territories. The "Final Solution" marked the culmination of this genocidal process. Driven by deep-seated racism, propaganda, and a belief in the so-called purity of the Aryan race, the Nazi regime's ethnic cleansing began with legal discrimination and escalated into industrial-scale mass murder.
Trump’s Road to . . . Well, Judge for Yourself
If you look at the parallel between Trump’s new policies and Hitler’s, the comparison becomes clear. The Trump regime emphasizes false merit-based systems, arguing that DEI initiatives perpetuate discrimination by prioritizing identity over merit. Executive orders have been issued to eliminate DEI programs across the federal government and schools, impacting hiring practices and curricula. The regime has also pressured private companies to remove DEI programs.
Furthermore, Trump has ordered the removal of DEI-related content from federal websites and sought to rewrite history by excluding any atrocities or accomplishments of those he deems part of the “DEI” movement. He has faced criticism from foreign governments for attempting to influence international companies to comply with U.S. DEI policies.
Don’t believe me? Specific actions taken include the deletion of public health data, the removal of entire webpages, and the erasure of pronouns from email signatures within federal agencies. For instance, the Department of Defense (DoD) was instructed to eliminate content related to DEI, leading to the removal of information celebrating the contributions of women and people of color, including content about figures like Jackie Robinson. This initiative extended to the deletion of profiles and articles honoring significant contributions from various minority groups. Notably, content about the Navajo Code Talkers, the Tuskegee Airmen, and the Marines at Iwo Jima was also removed.
The DoD’s actions are part of a broader effort to eliminate DEI-related content, including materials associated with critical race theory, gender ideology, and identity-based programs. This directive resulted in the removal of content that spotlighted race, sex, color, or ethnicity, including profiles of pioneering individuals such as the first Black Marine, Technical Sergeant Alfred Masters, and Medal of Honor recipient Sergeant William Carney. These deletions have sparked significant controversy, with critics arguing that such actions amount to erasing the histories and contributions of marginalized groups from official records. This has raised concerns about the potential whitewashing of military history and the suppression of narratives that highlight diversity and inclusion.
He is bringing back segregation. In March 2025, the Trump and his 2025 buddies took significant steps affecting segregation policies in federal contracting. They removed an explicit ban on "segregated facilities"—such as waiting rooms, restaurants, and drinking fountains—for federal contractors. This change means that companies receiving federal funds are no longer prohibited from having racially segregated spaces.
The Whitewashing of American History
Trump has long expressed concerns about how Black history, in particular, paints a negative picture of America. In his January 29th Presidential Action, titled Ending Radical Indoctrination in K-12 Schooling, he argued, “In many cases, innocent children are compelled to adopt identities as either victims or oppressors solely based on their skin color and other immutable characteristics . . . Similarly, demanding acquiescence to ‘White Privilege’ or ‘unconscious bias,’ actually promotes racial discrimination and undermines national unity.” In other words, if Black history makes white people uncomfortable, it should be erased.
Take a look at some of the “definitions” in the order:
“Discriminatory equity ideology” refers to the belief that individuals should be treated based on their race, gender, or nationality, not as individuals. This ideology includes ideas such as:
Members of one race or ethnicity being morally superior to others
Individuals being inherently racist, sexist, or oppressive because of their race or gender
The notion that someone’s moral character or status is determined by their race or nationality
The idea that virtues like merit, hard work, and fairness are racist or sexist
These definitions show a clear attempt to redefine the teaching of history in ways that minimize or ignore the realities of racism and inequality, ultimately sidelining the stories and struggles of marginalized groups.
How Whitewashing is Just as Detrimental as Racism
Whitewashing can be as damaging as racism because it distorts our understanding of history, culture, and society, reinforcing inequality and discrimination. Here’s how:
Erasure of Historical Contributions: By minimizing or ignoring the contributions of marginalized groups, whitewashing creates a skewed narrative that undermines their achievements. It pushes the idea that people of color are less significant, which only perpetuates harmful stereotypes.
Reinforcement of Stereotypes: Whitewashing often paints a picture of history that centers around white experiences, leaving out or distorting the stories of people of color. This exclusion keeps marginalized communities invisible and reinforces the idea that they are less valuable. It also fuels stereotypes and biases about race and identity.
Perpetuation of Inequality: When history is whitewashed, it becomes harder to address ongoing racial and social inequalities. Sanitizing the struggles of marginalized communities makes it difficult to recognize the need for corrective action, allowing systems of oppression to remain unchallenged.
Lack of Representation: Whitewashing leads to a lack of accurate representation in media, education, and other societal structures. This absence of diverse perspectives can leave people of color feeling excluded and lower their sense of self-worth. Without role models who look like them or share their experiences, many individuals struggle to envision themselves succeeding.
Hindering Social Progress: Whitewashing blocks important conversations about race, privilege, and oppression. By avoiding uncomfortable truths and glossing over difficult history, it prevents meaningful progress. This keeps prejudices intact and maintains the social structures that uphold inequality.
Whitewashing doesn’t just rewrite history; it erases it.
How to Be an Ally
So, what do white people do now? How do we (yes, I am white) do better while trying to keep sane with everything else?
Recognize that this is a BIG DEAL. You can see the parallels. You can see it happening. Don’t let the message get lost in the everything. I heard someone the other day say that we shouldn’t focus on the race stuff because it may alienate on the fence Trump supporters that are sharing outrage for the DOGE cuts. Are you kidding me? Yes, we need them. No, we don’t have to agree with everything to make a change. But, we must not compromise on this value.
Supporting Marginalized Communities: Being an Ally isn’t passive. It’s about using your privilege to lift up marginalized groups who face systemic oppression, discrimination, and exclusion every day. If you see injustice, speak up. Don’t make oppression easy. If you see hate, don’t look the other way. Be the person who uses their voice and power to advocate for fair treatment, for inclusive policies, for equality. Don’t let silence perpetuate harm—stand alongside them, take video, take pictures, scream, stand in the way.
Amplifying Voices and Elevating Perspectives: When you see or hear something that erases or silences marginalized voices, don’t stay quiet. Use your platform to elevate their stories. Share their struggles, amplify their achievements, and advocate for their needs. You have the power to shed light on issues that may not be visible to others. Challenge the lies and ignorance.
Breaking Down Barriers: Don’t wait for the perfect moment—create the moment. Step out of your comfort zone to break down the barriers that separate us. Engage with and support marginalized communities, not as an outsider, but as an active participant in dismantling the walls that divide us. Lead by example: show that we can bridge divides, foster understanding, and build empathy by simply showing up and speaking out.
Fostering Social Change: Change doesn’t happen by standing on the sidelines. Whether it’s confronting racial bias at work, speaking out against discriminatory jokes or actions, or demanding better policies from your government or business, you must make your voice heard and keep it heard. Call your representatives, make sure they know these issues matter, and never let them forget that their actions (or inactions) have consequences. Don’t wait for others to lead—be the one who pushes for change, who shows up at protests, who keeps the pressure on, and who keeps demanding a better, more equitable future for all.
Personal Growth and Learning: Being an ally means continuously evolving. It’s about educating yourself, having those tough conversations, and taking responsibility when you mess up. Oh, and marginalized groups do not have any obligation to teach you themselves. Look at websites, read books, watch documentaries, get involved.
Building a Better Future: Support minority and women owned businesses. Go to the local ethnic grocer. Look up businesses and see who owns them. Go to neighborhoods you may not have been to and eat at a local restaurant. Put your money where your mouth is.
Conclusion: It's Time to Step Up
The truth is, the fight for equality and justice is far RIGHT NOW, and we all have a role to fight fascism. History has shown us what happens when we stand by and let harmful narratives and policies go unchecked. The erasure of marginalized voices, the whitewashing of our past, and the rise of divisive policies can destroy us. But here's the thing—we have the power to change that.
As allies, we can’t afford to sit on the sidelines. This isn’t just about saying the right things—it’s about taking action every single day. Whether it’s calling our government representatives, speaking up in our workplaces, showing up at protests, or keeping these issues at the forefront of conversations, we have to be relentless in pushing for real change. We can't let these issues fade into the background. If we truly want an inclusive, just future, it’s on us to create it.
Let’s make sure we’re part of the solution, not the problem. Stand up, speak out, and never stop pushing for what’s right. Together, we can make sure that equality, justice, and dignity aren’t just words we use, but values we live by. Let’s do this—because change is waiting for us to act. Now is the time.