The political backlash against diversity & inclusion will relegate DEI efforts to lower-profile initiatives in 2026.
This year saw the President Donald Trump Administration launch a nationwide attack on diversity, equity, and inclusion through executive orders and federal funding cuts, leaving businesses to decide whether to maintain their DEI commitments. This year marked the biggest changes in the DEI space since 2020, and next year will see more fallout.
More DEI-focused nonprofits to struggle
Federal funding cuts to DEI-focused nonprofits have forced them to scale back operations, lay off staff, or close entirely, including ONE Worcester and MassEdCo. Next year will see more DEI-nonprofits financially struggle as they’re forced to compete for awards and grants from the state and local foundations.
DEI will be hidden in rewording
Many institutions that continued to prioritize DEI have restructured, and sometimes reword, their commitments, such as the Center for Women & Enterprise and UMass Memorial Health. In 2025, more businesses and organizations will seek creative solutions to avoid Trump’s wrath.
Despite challenges, DEI work will continue
In 2025, Central Massachusetts accelerated attempts to diversify its workforce through government-funded grant initiatives, neurodivergent-focused training, and DEI-centered hiring practices. Organizations will continue this work, especially in healthcare and human services.
Mica Kanner-Mascolo is a staff writer at Worcester Business Journal, who primarily covers the healthcare and professional services industries.
