Paralyzing DEI: A critical analysis of anti-CRT legislation

The United States is currently embroiled in political conflict over diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), with a particular focus on Critical Race Theory (CRT) and DEI programming. In this article, we use a racial paralysis lens to analyze anti-CRT and anti-DEI legislation, identifying four stages of institutional racial paralysis: counteraction, concealing the motive, moral panic, and pervasive monitoring. We propose that anti-CRT and anti-DEI policies represent an administrative response to undermine and paralyze organizational DEI efforts, thereby maintaining existing power structures and inhibiting progress toward equity and inclusion. By analyzing these stages, we highlight the underlying processes that reinforce and perpetuate resistance to DEI initiatives.