That’s lovely, Sophia. I’m so glad you had that experience and that you and your boss are on a better wavelength.

I had to put out a message today for my team confirming that we are no longer legally allowed to have supplier diversity targets or programs, and that talking about anything we are doing internally needs to be reviewed And probably reframed or minimized. Last night I was reviewing a proposal and had to strike out a whole bunch of that, and it was so painful and enraging.

I decided that the very least I could not let the formal message stand without any comment. So I added this at the end. I despise having to be so cagey but here’s where we are.

I want to acknowledge that this is a very difficult conversation to be having. Our culture is important to me and to all of us, and to me that is inseparable from actively recognizing, supporting, and creating opportunity for talented people from all walks of life. I hope you'll come to me or reach out to a trusted friend if you have concerns or need to talk through any of this. Also, this is a great time to look into the BRGs if you have not already. It's a great way to learn, build connections, and support colleagues and culture.

The BRG groups are the employee affinity networks - Black Professionals Network. Women’s Network, etc etc. They’re open to everyone, and I harp on about them all the time as it is. But god I hated to do that

Askye, I think you have a right to a home that’s not in danger of blowing up.

Or being filled with smoke regardless!!

That is so wonderful to hear, Sophia!

Brenda, that is so rough. Your people no doubt appreciate your message.

Brenda, I know I would appreciate that. We are hanging out here in the wind saying "business as usual". I am on the Council for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and we don't even know if we can say our name.

In the meantime, the AMA is almost aggressively publishing as many articles as they can about racial differences in various health issues, along with articles about transgender medical issues. Just in the past month, out of 15 total articles, I've edited 3 about race and 2 about trans people. The AMA is ready to cut any bitch who has a problem with DEI.

It’s those kinds of things that keep me sane.

That’s good to hear, Tep

I’m sorry you’re in that situation, brenda

I am so relieved that I work for a Catholic organization, so we're 'safe' until they decide to come for the Catholics. (Oh, they'll get around to it, if they keep going, but the Holy Roman Church is way down on the list of priorities.)

Never thought I'd write the first sentence above, but here we are.

Sophia, that sounds like the way yearly reviews are supposed to be (supportive, recognizing your past accomplishments and helping you build towards future goals), but so rarely are. I like the sound of your manager. (Also, I think we have similar jobs.)

I’m at a private university, and my unit still has an active DEIA group. Right now we’re more concerned about NIH funding than anything, but I expect the Eye of Orange Sauron will eventually turn there.