While dismantling DEI programs may hurt women, some PNW students worry they will cause greater harm to the nation.

“Discussions about getting rid of DEI concerns me so much, and makes me scared for the future,” said Aliana Quinones, a senior English major. “As a biracial woman I can only think about how so many people fought for my right to a seat at the table, and the possibility of all that hard work being undone is terrifying. 

“I think the diversity in America is what makes us so great, we’re a country that is an amalgamation of so many different backgrounds, perspectives, and histories. It’s a superpower, in my opinion,” she said. “The thought that many people want to get rid of what makes us the country that we are is terrifying. I believe DEI ensures that everyone has access to opportunities that weren’t possible before. Without it, so many people will suffer, and we’ll lose what makes our country and countless institutions so unique.”

Megan Rae Maxwell, a senior Criminal Justice major, fears the anti-DEI movement means to divide people.

“It’s a deliberate act to … wedge more discrimination and division between population groups,” she said. “These efforts can keep contributing to a breeding ground for gender gaps like the wage gap we see for women, as well as keep oppressing us.”

Yareli Hernandez Gonzalez, senior Mechanical Engineering Technology major agrees.

“Not only am I an immigrant but I am also a Hispanic female. The removal of DEI in a workplace environment is not good,” she said. “I don’t think it’s in the best interest of this country. … The United States was built on immigrants and working people.”

Nicholas Fiore contributed to this story.