DEI Frontlines, From the Good Guys to the Hunted: Will You Be Squeezed to Be a "Rat?"

Being part of DEI used to signal being on the side of equity in employment. Those in that force field were considered the good guys. 

Leaders in progressive law firms, ranging from Dentons to Paul Weiss, became closely associated with what is now referred to by the Trump Administration as an "ideology." Corporations created new positions to see to it that diverse candidates were recruited and given a fair shot at promotions. In media, specialized publications on the subject were rolled out and expanded. 

Now, in federal government, those involved with DEI have become the hunted. CNBC reports:

"Federal employees received emails Wednesday warning that they could face repercussions if they do not report on co-workers who work in diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility positions that might have gone unnoticed by government supervisors."

That, of course, brings up another subject: being a "rat." In the old neighborhood you never took on that role. At the very least you would get gum in your hair. More typically you would be beat up, then shunned. There would be no one to play ball with and join you in kicking the can down the street.

The blockbuster film "A Bronx Tale" features that ethos. Young Italian American Calogero opts to protect local Mafia boss Sonny.  Not align with official law enforcement. That act of being a non-rat shapes the kid's values. 

Will the introduction of the need-to-rat reshape the values of federal workers? Meanwhile, "falling in line" has become a buzz phase capturing the attitude toward the new administration. Back in boomer time in the mean streets of Hudson County, New Jersey during the Frank Hague administration at the end of the 1940s the phrase was: You can't fight City Hall. For my immigrant extended family the rules were clear. You didn't break them. 

Low on hope about finding, holding, or moving on to better work?  Getting that back is the first step. Then you and I, as your career coach, move on to diagnosing what's in the way, trying out the solutions and creating the communications you need. Free consultation. No pressure. After that, fees custom-made for your budget. Please contact for an appointment Jane Genova (text/phone 203-468-8579, janegenova374@gmail.com).