From DEI to MEI: The Role of Mass Media in Movement – Countermovement Narratives

• In Event: 20861 - Section on Collective Behavior and Social Movements Roundtables
  In Refereed Roundtable (60 minute): Table 7: Interactions between Movement Actors and Institutional Players

Abstract

The issue of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) has received growing attention in recent years. In the aftermath of the summer of 2020, the Black Lives Matter social movement drew widespread awareness of systemic inequalities. With public opinion supporting social justice, companies posted statements supporting BLM and internally increased DEI training. Diversity, equity, and inclusion became the norm in public and private sector employers and schools. However, on January 20, 2025, President Trump signed Executive Order 14151, Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing, announcing the administration’s attempt to abolish diversity, equity, and inclusion from the federal government. This terminated all programs, mandates, and activities connected to DEI in the federal government. A day later, the Presidential Action, Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity, was signed, bringing the federal government's weight to bear down on private sector DEI practices and educational agencies that receive federal grants or participate in federal student loan assistance. Companies like John Deere and Walmart rolled back their DEI programs in response to pressure from anti-DEI activists. In place of DEI, the Trump administration is promoting MEI, merit, excellence, and intelligence as a better framework. These actions prompt the question, "How did we get from DEI to MEI?"

Authors

• Jessica Lee Douglass-Eurich, University of Iowa

• Ion Bogdan Vasi, University of Iowa