Justice is a fundamental cornerstone of democracy, achieved only through legal, institutional, and societal structures that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). We are deeply concerned about the rollback of equity policies and the dismantling of a broad framework for justice work, emboldened by the current federal administration’s actions and rhetoric. We disapprove of the defunding of crucial water and environmental justice programs, which is undermining efforts to ensure the health of our waters and access to clean water for all, and, ultimately, protect our land and people. 

DEI goes beyond race and gender, covering diversity of thought, disability access, inclusion of small and disadvantaged businesses, veteran preference, expanding our reach to remote and rural areas, protecting children, and so much more. Dismantling decades of progress on DEI, environmental justice, and other equity programs is erasing the presence of all of the above and will negatively impact our entire society. No matter who you are or where you live, we all need clean and affordable water; it is a basic need, a human right, and a nonpartisan issue we can all agree on.

Helping communities most at risk benefits us all. Equity should not be a bargaining chip that is used and discarded when convenient, especially since equity values have widespread support. In fact, close to 70 percent of voters say we should do more to protect the human and civil rights of communities of color. As community water leaders, knowledge keepers, and professionals of color, we emphatically oppose anti-justice efforts and reaffirm our commitment to advance equity. It is in our collective long-term interest to continue to foster a movement that shows up for each other and future generations. 

Equity and justice work is required of us to protect our communities facing the water and climate challenges of our time. While we recognize that the current political climate is concerning and scary for many, we also remember that this isn’t the first time our work and existence have been politicized and targeted. We encourage all people working on water, environment, and climate to lean into their various strengths at this moment; we urge:

• Decision-makers to use their power to protect communities at risk, defend institutions and policies that advance justice, and speak up against anti-justice narratives
• Funders to award funds immediately to protect and support communities that need them most and that have been and are still significantly underfunded, as well as those who have had their funding revoked by targeted executive orders
• Journalists to center the voices of communities of color shedding a light on the harmful, big-picture, anti-justice patterns while complementing local solution stories
• Allies to act in solidarity with immigrant, Black, Indigenous, people of color, and other communities harmed by this most recent wave against equity and water protections

The strength of our collective can redirect this sociopolitical current and steer us toward a more just and livable world for all. As water experts of color, we are grounded in our rich experiences, knowledge, and our communities. From research to storytelling, we will continue the generational work for Indigenous sovereignty, Black liberation, rights and dignity of immigrants, equitable access to water for all, and beyond. We invite allies and co-conspirators to tap into and uplift our network creatively, intentionally, and in solidarity. The current is shifting—let’s shape its course together.