After a video of George Floyd’s murder by a police officer in Summer 2020 went viral, spontaneous protests spread across the globe. The protests brought attention to the urgent need to address systemic racism. Organizations across industries announced significant investments in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) staff and anti-racism efforts. Nearly four years later, a wave of local legislation and political activism has targeted Civil Rights legislation, equity policies like affirmative action, and DEI industry leaders.

Data shows that the DEI industry has been battered by mass layoffs and shuttered programs, suggesting that backlash has caused organizations’ commitment to DEI efforts to waver. Join YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee on February 28th 2023 as we gather community and industry leaders together to discuss the current state of anti-racism in America and whether DEI can survive.