Rebranding of DEI initiatives is a reactive response to external pressures
The pushback against diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs gained momentum in the first half of 2025. And while some institutions are eliminating DEI initiatives, others are rebranding them. βThe University of Alberta, for instance no longer has a vice-provost of equity, diversity and inclusion,β writes ΊΪΑΟΙη Desautels lecturer Simon Blanchette in The Conversation. βInstead, it now has an office for βaccess, community and belonging.ββ But these rebranding efforts are mostly about appeasement and lack genuine community engagement. βThey are reactive moves that respond to external pressures,β Blanchette says, βrather than to the needs and demands of the communities most affected.β
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