By Sierra Pawlak

Disclaimer: Participants of the Conversation Circle whose stories and advice are shared in this article will remain anonymous. This is to ensure that TAA members still receive key takeaways from the meeting, without repercussions to attendees.

During the February 26, 2025 TAA Conversation Circle, “Incorporating Inclusive Content Into Your Writing,” TAA members shared their concerns with the ever-changing political landscape of DEI. While some participants said their university had a “keep calm and carry on” approach, others experienced changes in diversity-related job titles, eradication of DEI language altogether, and even the possible loss of grant funding.

Why Change DEI Language?

Why are some people adjusting the language surrounding DEI work, even if they remain committed to its goals? The short answer: there are repercussions. The Conversation Circle’s co-moderator, the Director of a Content Standards Team at a publishing house (whose title was very recently changed to remove diversity language) shared that there are very real financial risks of not changing the language for a corporation. This is because a corporation’s primary goal is profitability.

One attendee shared that their anatomy textbook was not adopted by a state university until they photoshopped out a tattoo on an individual that appeared in the surface anatomy section of the book.

In a similar vein, one member said that their publisher is looking for DEI keywords and content in all books, and their textbook had already been dropped from a few schools based on a few sentences that did not align with some states’ views.

Another participant said that their blog, which featured an article on the biology of the first trimester of pregnancy, was hacked and taken down.

How Do You Maintain Your DEI Values?

Considering the repercussions, how do we continue to keep DEI values at the forefront of our work? Our co-moderator said that “making language shifts does not mean you’re diluting or minimizing your work.” A member of the TAA DEI Committee expanded on this idea, expressing that, as a professor and textbook author, everything they do is for the students. To them, they are changing the language “for the right reasons” and thinking about the long-term for student’s education. Another member shared that they try to “be subversive for good reason,” because they work as a non-tenure-track contingent faculty member in a conservative, white-male dominated field. They said that they keep their syllabus more conformist, but their lectures and assignments are taught with DEI values in mind. “My point,” they added, “was that as a contingent faculty, I have over 2 decades of experience modifying my language so that I don’t lose my job.”

What If You Can’t Change the Wording?

One attendee brought up a crucial concern: what if changing the language compromises the core message and purpose of your work? In response, our co-moderator said not to change the language if you don’t have to. They reminded us that there are resources to guide us in our decision-making, saying: “Consult with the governing bodies of your profession and discipline, such as accreditation bodies. Carefully read and revisit the ethical standards and professional core competencies that define your chosen area of expertise. Doing this might make the path forward less murky.” They also emphasized the importance of staying informed about your state’s legislation and keeping up to date with any changes.

Another TAA member recommended that “if you have concerns, you should check with your publisher regarding language.” If you are at an institution of higher education, they said to “confirm the stance that your administration is taking on language use, as this is going to vary by state.” Unfortunately, there’s no simple answer.

Resources

DEI Legislation Tracker
Your Guide to Political DEI Actions and Political Spending
Master the Art of ‘Talking Bridgey’ to Unite Diverse Audiences
Dangerous Speech Project: Counterspeech
TAA CDEI Committee