Since 2023, 86 anti-DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) bills have been introduced in 28 states, with 14 becoming law. In December 2024, SWE reiterated its position on the importance of DEI to women in engineering.
With the new administration, attacks on DEI have intensified and accelerated. Recent executive orders have banned federal agencies, the military, and government contractors from using DEI, causing agencies, companies, and universities to re-evaluate their policies and cut programs. With the news that West Point Academy has disbanded 12 student clubs because they promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, I thought it was important to address DEI in this month’s newsletter. The impacted clubs at West Point include SWE, the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), the Society for Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE), Spectrum (LGBTQ+), and more.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging is one of SWE’s strategic goals! SWE understands the importance of having multifaceted representation in an environment where everyone feels heard. It is something that we work towards in our programming and resources, our outreach, and our leadership. But DEI has become a scapegoat for numerous problems with society in recent years, with opponents re-defining it as “illegal discrimination” by filling hiring quotas for minority groups with unqualified applicants. We know that is not true. We know that DEI helps open doors to make sure that people from all backgrounds are not being shut out of opportunities.
Here are some actions you can take to continue to support SWE’s mission (borrowed from SWE CEO Karen Horting’s Call for Action email last week):
- Connect & Collaborate: Leverage SWE’s network to exchange best practices, resources, and strategies for maintaining inclusivity. Join the SWE Mentor Network to discuss recent developments, share insights, and navigate challenges together.
- Access SWE Resources: SWE provides valuable tools and training sessions to help you advocate for DEI. Explore the Advance Learning Center for expert content on fostering inclusive environments in engineering and technology.
- Advocate & Educate: Sharing your experiences can be a powerful catalyst for change. Engage colleagues, leadership, and allies in discussions on the value of diversity and equity. Use programs like HeForSWE, or our other 20+ Affinity Groups, to build allyship and bridge philosophical differences in your workplace and community.
- Spotlight Positive Action: Many organizations remain steadfast in their commitment to supporting women and underrepresented groups in STEM. Help us highlight relevant companies and initiatives that have recommitted to making a difference by submitting them as All Together blog posts so we can amplify and support their efforts.
- Support SWE: Legislative changes may threaten funding for programs that advance SWE’s mission, impacting efforts to foster diversity, equity, and inclusion in engineering and technology. SWE is assessing these challenges and exploring ways to provide targeted support. Consider donating to help sustain initiatives most affected by these changes. Finally, save the date for the 2025 SWE Congressional Outreach Day on Wednesday, April 2nd in Washington DC. I’m planning to host an information session in the coming weeks for anyone who would like to learn more about the trip.
It is more important than ever to advocate for our goals and tell our representatives what we want, and going directly to their door is a great way to do it.
Kristin Zatwarnicki
FY25 Civic Advocacy Chair
