DEI Is for Everyone—And We’re Not Letting It Go

Lately, some folks in power have been doing everything they can to erase Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)—and honestly? That’s not just a problem for some of us. It’s a problem for all of us.

Cozykins has always been about building a space where everyone feels safe, valued, and celebrated. That’s what DEI is at its core: making sure everyone gets a fair shot, nobody’s left out, and we all have what we need to thrive. This is not taking spots away from anyone, but it is ensuring underrepresented people who face additional barriers to milestones and goals are seen, heard, and thriving as part of the community as a whole. It’s about fresh ideas and perspectives!

A great example of what happens when DEI is dismantled? One university, after the dissolution of DEI programs, took all the applications from students who applied under DEI initiatives and put them under the stack. To even qualify for those programs, people had to prove they faced adversity and additional barriers. These applicants already met the academic standards but simply needed a chance to approach the door of opportunity. DEI wasn’t lowering the bar—it was recognizing potential and giving it room to grow.

Imagine This: You have a car, a cellphone, a roof over your head. So does everyone else, right? Nope. But you don’t have to think about it every day because you have those things.
Without a car, how do you get to work? Without a phone, how do you arrange transportation, keep in touch, access vital services, or even apply for jobs? These things are expensive, especially when you start with nothing.
Getting a job suddenly becomes expensive, too—you need a phone plan to get calls, transportation to interviews, a decent outfit, and time off work (if you already have a low-paying job) to even go to the interview.

Here’s the thing— you don’t struggle more just because someone else gets a car, a job, a home, an opportunity, or a meal. Their success doesn’t take anything from you. That’s what DEI is about—ensuring the game isn’t rigged and that everyone gets a fair shot.

What Even Is DEI?

DEI isn’t just a buzzword. It’s a basic framework for fairness:

🧸 Diversity – Making sure different voices, identities, and experiences are actually in the room.
🧸 Equity – Recognizing that not everyone starts at the same place, and adjusting things so we all have a fair chance.
🧸 Inclusion – Creating spaces where everyone feels wanted, not just tolerated.

And here’s the kicker—DEI benefits literally everyone. Instead of setting a single standard, like requiring everyone to climb a tree and punishing the fish for failing, DEI ensures that the fish takes their test in water. It’s not about handing out advantages—it’s about removing unnecessary barriers. For example:

College entrance exams: Some students come from schools with fewer resources or lack access to expensive test prep. DEI initiatives offer free or subsidized prep programs to level the playing field.

Workplace accessibility: Employees with disabilities are provided assistive technology, flexible work hours, or remote options—not because they are incapable, but because a rigid system without these accommodations would unfairly exclude them.

Scholarships and mentorship programs: Many first-generation college students don’t have the same family networks to guide them through higher education. DEI ensures they have the same access to guidance and financial support that wealthier students may take for granted.

Hiring practices: Studies show resumes with names that “sound ethnic” get fewer callbacks. DEI programs implement blind hiring processes or structured interviews to counteract bias and focus on skills.

If we designed everything so that everyone could use it, then everyone could use it. Wild concept, right? But instead, we have systems designed to benefit a select few while making it harder for others to access even the basics. That’s not just unfair—it’s harmful.

DEI Is Already Built Into So Many Things

People love to act like DEI is some new radical idea, but y’all. It’s been a thing forever. You probably benefit from it without even realizing!

💡 Small states like Wyoming having two U.S. Senators? That’s DEI—ensuring smaller populations still have a voice in government.
💡 Curb cuts and automatic doors? Originally for disabled folks, but useful for parents with strollers, delivery workers, and people carrying groceries.
💡 Flexible work options? Designed for accessibility, but also a lifesaver for parents, caregivers, and people with mental health challenges.
💡 Public libraries? Funded so that everyone—regardless of income—has access to books, internet, and education.

DEI isn’t about giving extra to certain people. It’s about making sure we all have access to what we need to succeed.

Why the Attacks on DEI Are a Big Deal

When leaders start cutting DEI, they’re not just “reducing regulations.” They’re actively taking away protections for real people—especially those who are already vulnerable. We’re talking:

🚨 Erasing trans and nonbinary people from legal recognition
🚨 Dissolving workplace protections for marginalized communities
🚨 Defunding programs that level the playing field

And when they come for one group, it’s never long before they come for more. If history has taught us anything, it’s that oppression doesn’t stop at one target.

Cozykins Stands for DEI. Full Stop.

We don’t just believe in DEI—we embody it. It’s in the way we create, the way we hire, and the way we build community! Our whole vibe is about making space for people who have been pushed aside, whether it’s through plushies that bring comfort, stories that reflect real experiences, or just being loud when it matters.

So, let’s keep fighting for a world where everyone gets a fair chance. Stay informed, speak up, and support businesses, creators, and orgs that refuse to back down! Because DEI isn’t just a policy—it’s about people.

We’ve got each other. Let’s keep building something better! 💛✨Join in on the discussion at Bluesky and Mastodon.