E. Pluribus Unum. Out of many, one. As we recently celebrated our nation’s 249th birthday one month ago, I was reminded of this Latin motto that has defined us since the founding of our republic. And yet, differences in opinions, even when those differences seem to contribute to deeper divisiveness, are not new in the history of our republic. In 2025, we find ourselves at one of those moments in our current national life.
This divisiveness is not just a right or left issue. The “digging in” mentality can go in both direction as I was just reminded by the Facebook post of a left-learning friend who posted, “I truly hate half of America.” I was also reminded of this same dynamic when I spoke to a family member who informed me that they could no longer talk with our cousin because “they are just too MAGA.”
The human rights advocate in me wants to gently remind us of all about the struggles for equal rights struggles that we have endured in our modern history. Two recent personal experiences that I had with my twin brother demonstrate this point. We recently visited a friend earlier this summer in Denver, and one morning as we woke up and looked at the cable TV offerings, we arrived on the movie “Mississippi Burning,” While we had both seem this movie several times, we could not help but reengaged in this powerful story on the struggle for equal rights. As we watched the movie, we both commented to each other, “Can you believe this type of hatred was once accepted as normal behavior in our country?” We both had a similar response when we visited the Illinois Holocaust Museum which is located very near my home in Chicago’s Edgewater neighborhood. While there, we not only were reminded of the horrors of the Holocaust, but there was also a special exhibit on the modern Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) rights movement. Once again, we were reminded of the history of discrimination and intolerance that has existed for many in American society. We were also reminded of how far we have come to achieve equal rights for all our citizens.
In the year 2025, we continue to witness events (almost on a weekly basis), that make us once again question the actual progress that we have made. For example, the recent resignation of the President of The University of Virginia (for allegedly violating federal government mandates on DEI advocacy) or, due to the threat of loss of federal funding, the closing of DEIs offices at many college campuses across the nation.
While for many of us, who are members of and/or advocates for marginalized communities in America, watching some of the purposeful actions against Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) may not only feel wrong but also hurtful, the optimist in me who believes in my fellow citizens, wants to create moments about and spaces for courageous conversations between both sides of this political chasm. But where should we begin?
Since such discussions in our current national climate may also be both challenging and uncomfortable, and since I strongly believe that our intent is to create understanding that leads to the mutual respect of differing opinions, it may be best to consider the engagement of DEI consulting services. I also realize that the financial resources required to engage such services may not be realistic for some organizations. Whether performed “in house” or using outside experts, the DEI literature contains many recommendations about how to best structure and facilitate such discussions. A review of the current DEI literature does have some common themes for consideration, these are:
- Establishing the Level of Engagement. Consideration should be given regarding how and when participants (e.g. employees) will be notified of such discussions. Since the active engagement of participants is key to this process, advanced notice will allow for the consideration of questions and personal experiences that are essential to engaged learning.
- Ground Rules. The facilitation of mutual respect and the resulting engagement in dialogue requires structure in the form of enforced ground rules. These may include listening without interrupting, providing all with an opportunity to speak, and purposefully avoiding harmful or disrespectful language.
-Differing Viewpoints in a Safe Space Environment. Establishing a discussion environment that demonstrates empathy and respect for all participants. This includes open acknowledgement of discomfort and/or non-agreement with differing viewpoints.
- Intentional Listening. This includes not only listening to what is said but also what is not said. Powerful learning occurs when we fully listen to and learn from others’ personal experiences.
Call me “Pollyanna,” but I firmly believe that by considering such courageous conversations, we are seizing up on a momentous opportunity to facilitate mutual and meaningful understanding. After all, we are still and continue to be “E Pluribus Unum.” Out of many, one!