DEI Under Siege: Why We’re Not Going Anywhere (And Neither is Psychology)
David A. Songco, Psy.D.

If you’ve been paying attention lately, you’ve likely noticed that “DEI” has become the latest three-letter acronym to be tossed into the political bonfire—right next to CRT, ESG, and, apparently, the FBI (depending on which news channel you watch). Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion have gone from being foundational principles in psychology to the boogeyman of the moment, blamed for everything from economic downturns to why your uncle can’t get a job. The current administration’s efforts to dismantle DEI initiatives at the federal level are not just a political maneuver; they are a direct assault on the very fabric of psychology, group psychotherapy, and, dare I say, basic human decency.
And yet, despite the hand-wringing of anti-DEI crusaders, I’m here to tell you: DEI isn’t going anywhere.
Psychology Without DEI? Not a Thing.
Let’s start with the basics. Psychology, as a field, is rooted in understanding the human condition—all of it. Not just the privileged experiences of a select few but the intricate, intersectional realities of diverse populations. Without DEI, we’d still be diagnosing “hysteria” in women instead of understanding trauma responses (Journal of the History of Behavioral Sciences, Tavris, 1993). We’d still be calling homosexuality a disorder instead of recognizing the deep mental health disparities caused by discrimination (American Psychologist, Herek, 2009). We’d be pretending that race, culture, and identity have no bearing on mental health outcomes, despite decades of evidence proving otherwise (Journal of Counseling Psychology, Sue et al., 2007).
DEI isn’t a political agenda; it’s the backbone of evidence-based, ethical practice. And for those suddenly allergic to the term “equity,” I’d like to remind you that psychology is literally in the business of addressing inequities—whether it’s in trauma care, access to mental health resources, or the interpersonal power dynamics in group psychotherapy (Group Dynamics: Theory, Research, and Practice, Yalom & Leszcz, 2020).
Group Psychotherapy Without DEI? Good Luck.
If there’s one place where DEI is non-negotiable, it’s in group psychotherapy. The entire process of group therapy hinges on navigating differences, understanding power structures, and fostering inclusion. You can’t create a cohesive, healing group environment without acknowledging the systemic barriers participants bring into the room. Power imbalances? Implicit biases? Cultural mistrust? All of these shape group dynamics and, if unaddressed, can turn a therapeutic setting into a microcosm of the very oppression clients are trying to escape.
Research has shown that diverse group therapy settings lead to stronger therapeutic alliances and better patient outcomes (Psychotherapy Research, Marmarosh et al., 2013). The presence of racial and gender diversity in therapy groups has been linked to higher levels of empathy, perspective-taking, and long-term personal growth (American Journal of Community Psychology, Chin et al., 2021). DEI is not just a moral imperative; it’s a clinically validated framework for better therapy.
And yet, some seem determined to gut these principles under the guise of “colorblindness” and “meritocracy,” as if pretending systemic barriers don’t exist will magically make them disappear. Spoiler alert: it won’t.
DEI Isn’t a Trend—It’s the Future of Psychology
For those worried that DEI is on its way out, let me reassure you: Psychology is not dictated by political whims. The American Psychological Association (APA) continues to emphasize the necessity of DEI in training, practice, and research (American Psychologist, 2022). Universities, licensing boards, and professional organizations are actively incorporating DEI frameworks, not abandoning them.
Yes, some institutions may face funding cuts or political pressure, but progress doesn’t move backward for long. The historical trajectory of psychology—from Freud to Fanon, from Skinner to Sue—has always been about expanding our understanding of the human experience. And no executive order, state ban, or social media outrage will change that.
Now’s the Time to Show Up
As the DEIB Domain Representative for Division 49, I remain committed to advancing DEI initiatives, ensuring that psychology doesn’t cave to reactionary politics. But this isn’t a one-person job. We need the voices of our colleagues, our students, our researchers, and our clinicians to push forward.
So, here’s your call to action: Join us. The DEIB Committee is more than a meeting—it’s a space for action, strategy, and community. Our next meeting is on February 13th at 6 PM EST, and I’d love to see you there. Bring your ideas, your frustrations, and, yes, your academic citations (we love those). Be sure to e-mail me at dsongco@mcw.edu if you need the link.
Because when the dust settles, DEI won’t just be standing—it will be thriving. And psychology will be all the better for it.
References:
- Chin, J. L., Trimble, J. E., & Garcia, B. E. (2021). Diversity and inclusion in group psychotherapy: New directions for research and practice. American Journal of Community Psychology, 67(1-2), 5-22.
- Herek, G. M. (2009). Sexual stigma and sexual prejudice in the United States: A conceptual framework. American Psychologist, 64(5), 597-607.
- Marmarosh, C. L., Markin, R. D., & Spiegel, E. B. (2013). Attachment in group psychotherapy: A review and clinical applications. Psychotherapy Research, 23(4), 467-487.
- Sue, D. W., Capodilupo, C. M., Torino, G. C., Bucceri, J. M., Holder, A., Nadal, K. L., & Esquilin, M. (2007). Racial microaggressions in everyday life: Implications for clinical practice. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 62(4), 271-286.
- Tavris, C. (1993). The misdiagnosis of women: Psychiatry and the hasty dismissal of female distress. Journal of the History of the Behavioral Sciences, 29(3), 210-223.
- Yalom, I. D., & Leszcz, M. (2020). The Theory and Practice of Group Psychotherapy (6th ed.). Basic Books.