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In the face of rising threats and attacks on civil rights and liberties across the nation, a powerful coalition has come together in Massachusetts to stand firm in its values and celebrate the importance of equity work, across all sectors. YW Boston proudly announces the official launch of the Massachusetts Alliance for Equity (MAE): a united, cross-sector movement committed to promoting, preserving, and protecting human dignity and freedom through initiatives rooted in the core values of diversity, equity and inclusion, across the Commonwealth.

Nonprofit and private sector organizations and companies who have committed to making their workplaces and services more equitable and inclusive are being targeted and attacked, simply because they are considered to be doing “illegal DEI” work. A July 2025 study analyzing websites and social media, has proven that foundations are changing messaging, branding, and external communications to appease ongoing authoritarian pressure from the Trump Administration. And it does not just stop at foundations. Companies, private and public are laying off Chief Diversity Offices, related employees or terminating programs that previously focused on diversity in the workplace. Sweeping job cuts across agencies have resulted in 300,000 Black women leaving the labor force in 3 months.

MAE is forming at a time when solidarity and collaboration are a necessity in the wake of the flurry of chaotic executive orders and terrorizing legal threats. An article by IfYouCanKeepIt.Org cites historical examples of why collective action is so powerful and worthwhile. It is why the work of this alliance for equity is crucial to all sectors in order to protect civil liberties in Massachusetts and beyond.

Research and data have proven time and time again that DEI initiatives are better for companies in productivity, morale, profit and overall performance. We now know that the penalties for lack of diversity are intensifying: according to a recent report from McKinsey, those performing in the bottom quartile for gender and ethnic diversity are 66 percent less likely to outperform financially on average, a number that has increased from 20 percent in 2020. Lack of diversity is getting more expensive. Companies and organizations that lead with equity and have inclusive practices, have higher profits and revenues, higher retention rates, and excel in innovation.

The principles and positive impact of equity focused work remain the same despite attacks on buzzwords and political lightning rods. The MAE recognizes that collaboration in this time is imperative. Collaboration consists of sharing best practices and resources, navigating shared challenges and expanding external outreach as a means of support as interest in work rooted in DEI values is persisting. Collaboration like ours will keep practitioners aware of current findings, share evidenced based successes and failures and create a wider network to increase public awareness. As we act boldly together, we will showcase the benefits of our work and signal to the public that the attack on equitable and inclusive practices is dangerous, harmful, and unjust and that Massachusetts will not concede.

The Alliance brings together a growing network of private companies, nonprofits, coalitions, and public institutions who believe that equity is essential to a thriving Commonwealth.

Fairness, justice and inclusivity are core values that must be upheld and promoted statewide. MAE represents a proactive step toward ensuring that Massachusetts remains a national leader in equity-driven progress, in which everyone deserves to have equal access to resources and opportunities.

“This is a moment for solidarity and action,” said Aba Taylor, she/her, President/CEO of YW Boston. “The Massachusetts Alliance for Equity exists to meet the moment — to respond to the challenges we face, and to ensure that organizations and communities have the support and guidance they need to champion the shared values that make our workplaces, communities, and institutions more just, inclusive, and resilient.”

MAE’s purpose is threefold:

• To educate the public and raise awareness on the values and direct impact of diversity, equity and inclusion work,by bringing organizations together across sectors and industries to align on shared equity goals,
• To respond boldly to current social and political threats to equity work across all sectors, and
• To provide guidance, tools, and support for institutions committed to building more welcoming and equitable workplaces and communities. Such as the example our Attorney General Andrea Campbell’s office issued earlier this year.

As one of its first collective efforts, MAE plans to explore a means of assessing the current state of DEI in Massachusetts, offering insight into how organizations are navigating this critical time — and identifying opportunities to build awareness, collaborate, and invest.

MAE is grounded in collective action and powered by collaboration. Founding members represent a diverse spectrum of industries and geographies — yet all share the same commitment: to uphold the principles of DEI not just in words, but in practice. This means:

• Accepting and celebrating difference and the uniqueness of all individuals,
• Intentionally creating spaces and opportunities for individuals of all backgrounds to feel welcome and know that they belong, and
• Acknowledging that disparities and inequities are real, and that every individual has the right to access resources and opportunities that will allow them to thrive, without facing discriminatory barriers or challenges.

MAE invites individuals and organizations across the Commonwealth to join the movement.

Together, we are building the future Massachusetts deserves — one rooted in equity, justice, and opportunity for all.

To learn more and receive updates about this alliance, please fill out the form below: