Project Midnight by Dr. Shelton Goode critically explores the coordinated efforts to undermine diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in the corporate, educational, and governmental sectors. The book, written by an experienced DEI expert, delves deeply into the historical context of these programs and the contemporary backlash they face, driven by political and social forces that seek to reverse decades of progress toward racial and gender equality.
Dr. Goode begins by tracing DEI's origins from the Civil Rights Movement and the abolition of slavery. He highlights how DEI has evolved into a strategic initiative for organizations seeking to improve workplace diversity and inclusiveness. He emphasizes that DEI was not just about affirmative action but aimed at creating fair opportunities for historically marginalized groups. Despite the challenges, the resilience of DEI initiatives is a source of inspiration and hope.
The core of Project Midnight centers on the systematic, well-funded attacks by conservative and far-right groups to discredit DEI programs. These groups claim that DEI promotes reverse discrimination against white males and distracts companies from their core missions. Dr. Goode explains how these organizations, bolstered by recent legal decisions such as the Supreme Court's ruling on affirmative action, have shifted their focus to dismantling corporate DEI initiatives. They target areas such as talent management programs, employee resource groups, supplier diversity, and DEI training efforts, using legal challenges and public misinformation campaigns to achieve their goals.
One of the book's strengths is its use of real-life case studies. Dr. Goode provides detailed accounts of how organizations like Google, Facebook, and Tractor Supply have faced backlash after implementing DEI initiatives. He also examines the broader sociopolitical implications of this anti-DEI movement, tracing its roots to broader movements against social justice and racial equality.
Dr. Goode argues that these attacks are not just isolated events but part of a larger strategy to reverse the progress made in DEI efforts, especially after the 2020 racial justice protests following George Floyd's death. He draws attention to the legal, social, and political strategies used to dismantle programs designed to address inequality and highlights the significant impact on marginalized communities, corporate performance, and the country's overall social fabric.
The book is a call to action for business leaders, DEI professionals, and advocates for social justice. Dr. Goode provides practical strategies for sustaining DEI efforts despite opposition, including fostering inclusive leadership, strengthening internal DEI policies, and engaging in more effective communication about the benefits of diversity. He urges organizations to resist the pressure to retreat on DEI and underscores the importance of the audience's role in sustaining these efforts. This empowers them and makes them feel responsible for the progress of DEI as a business imperative, pointing to research that demonstrates the positive financial impact of diverse and inclusive workplaces.
Ultimately, Project Midnight is a sobering but optimistic account of the state of DEI in America. While acknowledging the challenges, Dr. Goode remains hopeful that organizations can continue moving forward by adopting innovative approaches and remaining committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion.