Standing Firm: Why DE&I Is Non-Negotiable

by Kristal Farmer, WWPR DEI Chair 

There’s something to be said about standing firm in your beliefs, especially when your truth isn’t the majority opinion. History remembers the people who refused to back down—even when it was uncomfortable, inconvenient, or outright dangerous—because they knew what was right.

Think of Lady Mary Wortley Montagu, who defied convention by introducing the practice of smallpox inoculation to Britain after witnessing it in the Ottoman Empire. Despite skepticism and resistance from the medical establishment, she championed this life-saving procedure, paving the way for later advancements in vaccination. 

Or Johtje Vos, a Dutch woman who, alongside her husband, risked her life to shelter Jewish families in her home during World War II. Working with the Dutch resistance, she repeatedly outsmarted the Gestapo and helped countless people escape—proving that moral courage isn’t about power, but about action.

And then there’s one of the G.O.A.T.s of our lifetime - U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Her relentless pursuit of gender equality and civil rights reshaped American law. From fighting for equal pay to playing a pivotal role in rulings on healthcare and same-sex marriage, she didn’t just make history—she changed it. Her legacy is one of fearless advocacy and lasting change.

Taking a stand is never easy—but it is always necessary.

So when the WWPR board met earlier this year, I asked a simple but defining question: Where do we stand on DE&I?

Do we take the “safe” path, like so many companies that have chosen to quietly retreat from diversity commitments? Or do we stand firm, knowing that Diversity, Equity & Inclusion isn’t just a checkbox—it’s fundamental to who we are?

More importantly, as communicators, how do we make sure that people understand DE&I — not as a corporate buzzword, but as a lived experience?

Because DE&I is not some abstract concept — it’s everywhere, shaping our daily lives in ways big and small.

• It’s lactation rooms in airports and workplaces, so working moms don’t have to choose between their jobs and feeding their babies.
• It’s curb cuts and inclined sidewalks, making sure those with mobility challenges can cross the street with dignity and ease.
• It’s raised bumps on subway platforms, allowing visually impaired commuters to navigate safely and independently.
• It’s workplace accommodations, not as favors, but as essential tools that empower people with disabilities to contribute fully.
• It’s equal pay for equal work, because talent, dedication, and impact should be the only things that determine compensation.

DE&I isn’t about giving some people an advantage — it’s about making sure everyone has access and opportunity. Because when we break down barriers and prioritize inclusion, everyone benefits.

We cannot afford to be neutral—because neutrality is a decision in itself. As communicators, we have the power, the platform, and the responsibility to shape the narrative. To educate. To inform. To challenge.

So I’ll ask you this: Where do you stand?

Are you willing to be part of the movement that ensures equity, accessibility, and inclusion aren’t optional—but essential?

Because this work doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It happens when we use our voices, our platforms, and our influence to ensure that DE&I isn’t just a discussion—but a standard we uphold, defend, and advance.