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Why Inclusive Communication Matters in a Changing DEI Landscape

Updated: Jun 3


Diverse group in a brick-walled room sitting in rows, raising small cards.

In the first few months of 2025, America has experienced a significant shift in the diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) landscape. Major corporations like Walmart, Ford, Toyota, Meta, and McDonald's have scaled back their formal DEI initiatives (NBC News), while states including Utah, Alabama, Iowa, Florida, and Texas have banned DEI offices in their public universities (Raconteur). This trend accelerated after President Trump signed an executive order ending DEI funding for government agencies on his first full day back in office (White House).


But as formalized programs face scrutiny, The evidence points to a fundamental truth: effective communication across diverse backgrounds transcends any particular program or initiative. This isn't about political positioning—it's about the basic responsibility to serve everyone in our communities, especially during times of crisis.


The Changing Face of DEI in America

The statistics paint a clear picture of the current climate. A January 2025 survey by Resume.org found that 1 in 8 companies plan to eliminate or reduce their DEI programs this year due to political climate changes, economic pressures, or perceived lack of return on investment (HR Dive). Of the 1,000 companies surveyed that had DEI programs in 2024, 65% are maintaining their budget, 22% are increasing funding, while 13% are either reducing or eliminating their programs entirely.


Many organizations have rebranded their efforts, shifting from "diversity, equity, and inclusion" to terms like "inclusion and belonging" or simply "global inclusion." As one DEI consultant noted in an NBC News article, "DEI, the letters and what they mean, are a problem for people," suggesting that "diversity and inclusivity" might be less confrontational terminology (NBC News). McDonald's, for example, has renamed their diversity team to their "global inclusion team" (TechTarget).


But regardless of what we call these initiatives, the core need remains the same: ensuring that all people have equal access to information, services, and opportunities.


The Need for DEI Communication Beyond Programs

We're currently experiencing a time when many formalized DEI programs are under scrutiny. However, it's crucial to recognize that effective crisis communication to diverse audiences transcends any particular program or initiative. This isn't about checking boxes—it's about the fundamental responsibility of government to serve all its citizens. After all, when disaster strikes, everyone deserves access to potentially life-saving information, regardless of the language they speak or their ability to access traditional communication channels.


A study by the Pew Research Center found that over 67 million Americans speak a language other than English at home, and approximately 25.5 million have limited English proficiency (Pew Research Center). These aren't special interest groups—they're our neighbors, taxpayers, and community members who deserve equal access to critical information during emergencies. When we recognize this reality, we understand that inclusive crisis communication isn't optional—it's essential.


When crisis strikes, state agencies must communicate quickly and effectively. But in our diverse society, do our messages actually reach everyone who needs them? By applying a diversity, equity, and inclusion lens to crisis communication, agencies can ensure their messages reach and resonate with all communities they serve, creating stronger, more resilient responses that protect everyone.


Emergency managers often struggle to reach certain neighborhoods during floods, health departments scramble to translate COVID guidance, and confusion arises when evacuation orders don't account for those without transportation. These aren't just DEI issues—they're fundamental communication failures that put lives at risk. And in each case, a little forethought and planning could have made all the difference.


The Business Case for Inclusive Communication

Five people collaborate at a table with papers and laptops.

While some companies are backing away from formal DEI initiatives, others recognize that inclusive communication is simply good business. Just as JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon has maintained his commitment to DEI despite the political climate, calling himself a "full-throated, red-blooded, patriotic, 'unwoke,' capitalist CEO" whose commitment to DEI has not wavered (NBC News), many business leaders understand that connecting with diverse audiences isn't just a moral imperative—it's a market necessity. Microsoft has also maintained its commitment to DEI, with its chief diversity officer stating, "For Microsoft, transparency and accountability are not a trend or a season" (TechTarget).


Consider these practical benefits of inclusive communication:

  1. Expanded market reach: When you communicate effectively with diverse communities, you tap into new customer bases and markets.

  2. Enhanced reputation: Organizations that demonstrate cultural competence build trust across communities, strengthening their brand.

  3. Increased customer loyalty: People tend to support businesses that respect their identities and communicate with them effectively.

  4. Reduced legal risk: Failure to communicate critical information to all segments of the population could create liability issues, especially for government agencies.

  5. Improved emergency response: During crises, inclusive communication can literally save lives by ensuring everyone receives and understands critical information.


Practical Steps for Inclusive Communication

So, how can organizations maintain inclusive communication practices even as formal DEI programs face challenges? Here are some practical approaches:


1. Know Your Audience

Start by understanding the demographics of your community or customer base. What languages are spoken? What cultural norms influence how information is received? What channels do different groups prefer for communication? This baseline knowledge is essential for effective outreach.

2. Build Relationships Before Crises

Don't wait until an emergency to connect with diverse communities. Establish ongoing relationships with community organizations, religious institutions, and cultural leaders who can serve as trusted messengers when urgent communication is needed.

3. Prioritize Accessibility

Make sure your communications are accessible to people with disabilities. This includes providing screen reader-compatible digital content, captioned videos, and materials in multiple formats.

4. Use Plain Language

Complex jargon and bureaucratic language create barriers for everyone, including those with limited English proficiency, cognitive disabilities, or lower literacy levels. Clear, simple language benefits all audiences.

5. Invest in Quality Translation

Machine translation may be convenient, but it often misses cultural context and nuance. Invest in professional translation services, particularly for high-stakes communications about safety, health, and legal rights.

6. Diversify Your Channels

Not everyone has internet access or follows social media. Some communities rely more heavily on radio, community newsletters, or word of mouth. A multi-channel approach ensures broader reach.

7. Test Your Messages

Before launching major communications, test them with representatives from your target audiences. What seems clear to you might be confusing or even offensive to others.


Moving Forward Together

Protesters gather outdoors, holding blank signs with a woman speaking through a megaphone.

As the pendulum swings on formal DEI programs, it's important to separate political debates from practical necessities. Whatever your position on DEI initiatives broadly, the reality remains that we live in a diverse society where effective communication across differences is essential for public safety, business success, and social cohesion.


Rather than seeing inclusive communication as part of a contested political agenda, we can approach it as a practical tool for achieving shared goals: keeping people safe during emergencies, delivering services efficiently, and building stronger communities.


A thoughtful approach to diverse communication saves lives and prevents suffering. Consider how during emergency situations like wildfire evacuations, counties with established relationships with local Spanish-language radio stations and community organizations serving migrant workers can ensure all residents receive critical information in time, while areas lacking these connections might struggle to reach similar populations.

The difference isn't political—it's practical. Organizations that build systems for inclusive communication see tangible results in emergency response effectiveness.


Conclusion

As we navigate this shifting landscape around diversity, equity, and inclusion, organizations should focus on the practical benefits of inclusive communication rather than getting caught in ideological debates. Whether you call it DEI or something else, the ability to communicate effectively across differences remains essential in our diverse society.


The fundamental goal isn't about terminology or political positioning—it's about ensuring that everyone has access to the information they need, when they need it. That's not just good DEI practice; it's good governance, good business, and good community stewardship.


In a time of increasing polarization, effective communication across differences might be exactly what we need to find common ground and build more resilient communities. And that's something worth preserving, regardless of what we call it.


About Mogul Media Consulting

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When it comes to inclusive communication that bridges cultural and linguistic divides, Mogul Media Consulting stands ready to help. As an all-woman and minority team, we bring firsthand understanding of the nuances required to connect with diverse audiences authentically. Our expertise goes beyond theoretical approaches—we live the experiences that inform our work every day.


Whether you need crisis communication plans that reach every community you serve, marketing materials that resonate across cultural boundaries, or training to help your team communicate more inclusively, our consultants bring both professional expertise and lived experience to the table. In today's changing landscape, let Mogul Media Consulting help your organization maintain the inclusive communication practices that build stronger communities and better outcomes for everyone you serve. Because communication that connects us isn't just a nice-to-have—it's essential for organizations that want to truly serve their entire community.

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