Equity Forward: Data and Resources to Defend Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Counter Misinformation

Washington, D.C. — For generations, Black communities, communities of color, grassroots organizers, and allies have led the charge for equity and justice, resisting efforts to erase our histories and undermine our futures. Today, the promise of a multiracial democracy is under attack and hard-won progress toward inclusion, belonging and racial equity are being systematically unraveled by the Trump administration. In response, the Center for Urban and Racial Equity (CURE) has launched Equity Forward. This timely initiative equips organizations, leaders, and allies with the tools to push back against misinformation and uphold the values of diversity, equity and inclusion, even as opponents attempt to roll back progress.

“We refuse to be silent as decades of progress unravel. The fight for equity is a fight for us all: for fair and just access to opportunities, power and resources to thrive in our workplaces, schools, and communities,” said Dr. Judy Lubin, President of CURE. 

“This moment calls for courage and clarity,” added Dr. Lubin. “We cannot allow false narratives to dismantle structures that promote civil rights, equity and justice. We must remain steadfast in our vision of a country that works for all people, across races and genders, backgrounds and abilities.”

Equity Forward features a webinar series and a set of explainers and resources, including:

• Anti-DEI Lies and the Truths that Debunk Them: This resource tackles five of the most persistent myths about DEI, countering them with comprehensive, evidence-informed responses.
• Timeline of Major DEI-Related Laws and Movements in the U.S.: This historical timeline traces the evolution of DEI efforts from the 1940s to the present, linking legal mandates, corporate strategies, and social movements.
• Navigating the Anti-DEI Movement and Advancing Racial Equity: This issue brief explores the backlash against racial equity efforts following the 2020 racial justice uprisings and offers guidance to help organizations sustain their racial equity commitments despite legislative restrictions and political opposition.
• Understanding the Anti-DEI Movement: A Glossary of Key Terms: This glossary provides critical definitions to contextualize the backlash against diversity, equity and inclusion, exposing longstanding tactics repurposed to undermine today’s fight for equity. Readers are empowered to use these insights to decode and counter the misinformation that fuels anti-DEI narratives.

The Fight for Equity Continues

Movements for racial, gender, disability and LGBTQ rights have shaped this nation’s progress, yet a small but vocal faction is attempting to reverse our hard-won gains. They use misinformation and fear tactics to roll back programs that ensure fairness and opportunity for all. 

Equity Forward is more than a response—it’s a call to action. We invite organizations, leaders, and community members to use these tools to push back against misinformation, advocate for inclusive policies, and sustain the fight for equity, justice, inclusion and belonging.

To access Equity Forward resources, visit www.urbanandracialequity.org/equity-forward

For media inquiries and interviews, please contact:
Chantelle Wilkinson
info@urbanandracialequity.org