If you’ve been following the headlines, you might think diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives are now defunct, forbidden, and a thing of the past. Anti-DEI activists have painted a negative picture of a nation abandoning these values in schools, organizations, workplaces and beyond. But look closer, and you will see a very different story unfolding.
The reality is that DEI isn’t being eliminated-it’s being reimagined and implemented differently. The terminology may be shifting, but the essence of DEI is alive and well in innovative thinking healthcare professionals and organizations who value gold standard practices in patient care. As school nurses, we remain steadfast and deeply committed to advocating for diverse, equitable, and inclusive environments. Instead of shunning from DEI, we are refining our practices, and communicating our efforts in new creative ways that embrace the student populations we serve and their families.
This paradigm shift isn’t about retreating and abandoning principles, but about adapting to a changing demographic and social climate. Healthcare disciplines are discovering effective ways to align their DEI initiatives with their overarching mission and values, ensuring they remain impactful and resonate across all diverse school districts and communities. So, don’t be influenced by naysayers, social media, and the negative overtones their conversations generate. DEI isn’t going anywhere! It’s simply evolving to meet the moment-becoming more resilient and strategic than ever through collaboration, innovation, and integration of creative ideas among our members keeping NASN in the forefront of professional development equity as well as health equity for every child.
Are you interested in learning more about diversity, equity, and inclusion? Let's talk about how DEI is necessary in schools and school nursing practice. Are you comfortable engaging in DEI conversations? Come join the discussion, and participate in our inaugural DEI SIG meeting at the in-person Conference in Austin, Texas, stop by our DEI exhibition booth, and come away with an understanding that redefining DEI is fine as long as it preserves its core equity mission. Keep in mind that it’s not about hiding the work or stripping DEI of action—it’s about ensuring the academic success, bright futures, and well-being of our children through building cultures of inclusion and belonging within our schools and the communities they serve. It’s also about empowering each other as colleagues by embracing the diverse experiences we all bring to the school nursing profession. I look forward to meeting you!