Executive Orders have emerged as a means of limiting the scope and effectiveness of DEIB-related initiatives. Most Americans have no experience with Executive Orders and have never been taught anything about them. 

Incomplete and misleading news headlines are negatively affecting public perception about DEIB. Individuals charged with implementing DEIB initiatives need to understand whether and how an Executive Order issued by the President or a Governor may impact their responsibilities. This requires self-education. Here are recommendations for how to get started.

Research the topic as you would any other area you are trying to learn about using Google or another search engine. Search “what is an executive order” and choose two or three reliable sources to get a basic understanding of what they are and are not.

Next, search “executive order and DEI” (or “diversity”). Many organizations have created FAQs to answer common questions that DEIB professionals have. Articles about the 2025 executive orders are usually listed first.

Talk to other DEIB Professionals, as well as organizations in or near the DEIB space (e.g., SHRM), to find out what resources they know about. Many organizations that don’t carry DEIB in their names are very active in this area. Examples: National Women’s Law Center, ACLU, and The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights. Additionally, many well-regarded law firms have posted information that is publicly available through a search. 

If you have access to legal professionals, internally or externally, ask them for recommendations.

Knowledge and the ability to educate others continues to be essential to advancing the Principles of DEIB.