Introduction: The War on DEI and the Misinformation Problem
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and Affirmative Action policies have become highly politicized, with conservative forces aggressively rolling back these programs at the corporate, educational, and governmental levels. The attacks on DEI frame it as a radical, race-based system that unfairly benefits minorities at the expense of others, particularly white Americans.
However, the reality is starkly different. White women have been the biggest numerical beneficiaries of affirmative action and DEI. Still, African Americans have gained the most as a percentage of their population—which makes sense when considering the long history of racial exclusion in America.
This blog will debunk the myths surrounding DEI and Affirmative Action, clarify who truly benefits, and explain why these policies are essential for justice and equity in the United States.
The Data: Who Benefits from DEI and Affirmative Action?
A common misconception is that DEI and Affirmative Action exclusively benefit African Americans and other racial minorities. The reality is more nuanced.
By the Numbers:
- White Women: 6 million white women have directly benefited from Affirmative Action, especially in workplace hiring and promotions.
- Minorities (Black, Hispanic, Asian, Native American, etc.): 5 million have benefited from these programs in various ways.
- African Americans: While exact numbers for Black Americans are difficult to isolate, estimates suggest that 2.5 million or more of the 5 million minority beneficiaries are Black.
By Percentage of Population:
- White Women: There are 110 million white women in the U.S. If 6 million have benefited from Affirmative Action, only 5.5% have.
- African Americans: There are 14 million Black Americans in the U.S. If around 2.5 million have benefited, that means nearly 18% have gained from these policies.
➡️ Conclusion: While white women are the largest numerical beneficiaries, African Americans have benefited at a higher percentage—which makes sense, given the structural barriers they have faced throughout history.
Why African Americans Have a Higher Proportional Benefit
We must acknowledge historical context to understand why African Americans benefit at a higher percentage.
Forced Displacement and Enslavement
- Millions of Africans were forcibly taken from their homelands and subjected to brutal chattel slavery for over 250 years.
- Many died in the transatlantic slave trade before ever reaching American shores.
- Those who survived faced centuries of systemic oppression, preventing them from accumulating wealth, land, or equal rights.
Post-Slavery Oppression: Jim Crow and Redlining
- After slavery ended, Jim Crow laws, Black Codes, and segregation ensured that Black Americans remained economically and socially disenfranchised.
- Redlining prevented Black families from owning homes and building generational wealth.
- Workplace discrimination kept Black workers in low-wage jobs for decades.
Resistance to Black Inclusion in Society
- Every time Black Americans have made progress, there has been aggressive backlash—from violent attacks (Tulsa Massacre, Rosewood, etc.) to policy reversals (War on Drugs, mass incarceration).
- Even after civil rights victories like the Civil Rights Act (1964), the Fair Housing Act (1968), and the Equal Employment Opportunity Act (1972), resistance to Black advancement persisted.
➡️ Given this history, it is not surprising that African Americans have a high proportional benefit from DEI and Affirmative Action. These policies were put in place to counter centuries of systemic exclusion.
Debunking Myths About DEI and Affirmative Action
Myth #1: DEI is Only for Black People
❌ Reality: DEI programs benefit all marginalized groups, including white women, Hispanic Americans, Asian Americans, LGBTQ+ individuals, and disabled workers.
➡️ Example: The biggest beneficiaries of corporate gender diversity programs have been white women, not Black women.
Myth #2: Affirmative Action and DEI Create “Reverse Discrimination”
❌ Reality: There is no widespread evidence that DEI or Affirmative Action result in white Americans being systematically excluded.
➡️ Fact: White men still hold over 75% of Fortune 500 CEO positions and dominate leadership roles across corporate America, academia, and politics.
Myth #3: African Americans Don’t Need DEI Anymore
❌ Reality: Black Americans still face massive disparities in wealth, education, homeownership, and leadership.
➡️ Fact: The racial wealth gap is wider today than in the 1960s. The average Black family holds just 10% of the wealth of the average white family.
The Rollback of DEI and Affirmative Action: A New Form of Resistance
Recent Supreme Court decisions and Republican-led state bans on DEI reflect a broader backlash against racial and gender equality efforts.
Key Developments:
- Affirmative Action in College Admissions: Struck down in 2023.
- DEI Bans in Corporations and Universities:
- Texas, Florida, Alabama, and Iowa have banned DEI offices at public universities.
- Major corporations like McDonald’s, Boeing, and Walmart have cut back DEI commitments.
- Universities like the University of Florida and University of North Florida have eliminated DEI offices.
➡️ This rollback is not about fairness. It’s about reversing decades of progress.
The Future: Why DEI and Affirmative Action Must Continue
Despite political attacks, some companies and universities are standing firm in support of DEI:
Apple, Costco, and JPMorgan have reaffirmed their DEI initiatives.
Black-led organizations and advocacy groups continue to push for fair hiring and racial equity policies.
Why These Policies Must Continue:
✔️ They correct for past injustices.
✔️ They promote a fairer, more competitive economy.
✔️ They ensure that talent and opportunity are not wasted due to discrimination.
➡️ The fight for DEI and Affirmative Action is the fight to continue the legacy of the Civil Rights Movement. If these policies are dismantled, so is the promise of equality.
Final Thoughts: The Truth About DEI and Affirmative Action
🔹 DEI and Affirmative Action are not about exclusion; they are about inclusion.
🔹 White women have numerically benefited the most, but African Americans have gained the most proportionally—rightfully so, given their historical exclusion.
🔹 Efforts to eliminate these policies are part of a long pattern of backlash against racial progress.
🔹 The fight for true equity is not over.
Now is the time to push back against misinformation and advocate for policies that truly make the American Dream accessible to all.
📢 Take Action: The Fight for DEI and Equal Opportunity Continues!
The rollback of DEI and Affirmative Action is a direct attack on the progress we’ve made toward a fair and just society. Misinformation is spreading, and the truth must be told. We cannot afford to go backward.
Here’s How You Can Get Involved:
✅ Stay Informed: Share this blog and educate your network about the realities of DEI and Affirmative Action. Use your voice to counter misinformation.
✅ Advocate for Equity: Support organizations, businesses, and universities that are standing firm on DEI initiatives. Demand accountability from corporations that are rolling back diversity programs.
✅ Engage with Me: Let’s continue the conversation! I’m dedicated to empowering individuals and businesses through real estate, financial literacy, and advocacy.
📞 Connect with Me:
📌 Eric L. Frazier, MBA
📍 CEO | Business Consultant | Real Estate & Mortgage Expert
📧 Email: eric.frazier@thepowerisnow.com
🌎 Website: www.thepowerisnow.com
🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ericlfrazier
📺 YouTube: youtube.com/ThePowerIsNow
📱 Follow Me on Social Media: @EricLFrazier | @ThePowerIsNow
🚀 The fight for equity is not over—let’s keep pushing forward together! Join the movement, share this message, and let’s make an impact!
