Why This Course Matters Right Now

Across the U.S., DEI programs are being rolled back.

Policies that once supported inclusive workplaces and learning environments are being challenged or dismantled—and the ripple effects are already showing up in schools, companies, and communities.

This course was created in direct response to that shift. It's not just about understanding DEI—it’s about protecting dignity, fostering inclusion, and equipping people to lead with empathy in an increasingly polarized world.

We’re designing for a rapidly changing cultural and legislative landscape that’s putting DEI work under pressure.

Understanding this moment matters.

Here is what is happening right now.

Anti-DEI Laws Are Spreading

BestColleges tracks real-time legislation across the U.S. targeting DEI efforts in education—revealing how policies are shifting state by state.

Misunderstandings About DEI Are

Fueling Resistance

This CNN explainer breaks down what DEI is—and what it isn't—in clear, accessible language. A great reference for those encountering resistance or misinformation.

Corporations are Scaling Back

…But the Need Persists

Many U.S. corporations are scaling back DEI initiatives under political and public pressure. This New York Times piece explores what’s being lost and why it matters. (paywall)

Maybe the language is changing.
Maybe the frameworks are shifting.

But the heart of this work has always been the same:
Creating spaces where people feel seen, heard, and valued.

That still matters.
It will always matter.

In moments of uncertainty, we don’t step back.
We listen.
We adapt.
We keep going—with care.

Because the culture we create tomorrow
Begins with the choices we make today.

So…where do we begin?

We created this course for the people trying to hold space in the middle of uncertainty—for the facilitators, trainers, and leaders navigating backlash, silence, and everything in between.

Beyond Compliance is a conversation-ready, facilitator-led course designed to help teams explore what DEI means now—and how to carry it forward.

It’s not a script.
It’s a framework.
A conversation structure for teams asking, “What does equity look like here, now?”

This course gives facilitators:

  • A ready-to-use structure with flexible delivery options

  • Case studies, empathy-based scenarios, and real-world discussion prompts

  • Tools to model inclusive facilitation practices and navigate resistance

  • A path to embed DEI into daily practice—not just annual training

It’s one way forward. Not the only way—but a place to start.

Who This Course Is For

This course was built for you.

If you’re navigating uncertainty, leading with care, or trying to make change in a shifting landscape—this is yours.

If you’re facilitating the learning…this course was built for you.

If you’re the one guiding conversations, designing learning spaces, or supporting others through complex cultural shifts—this course gives you the structure, flexibility, and support to do that work with care.

You don’t need to be a DEI expert.
You just need a commitment to leading with integrity—and the tools to hold space for thoughtful, sometimes uncomfortable, reflection.

Whether facilitation is your formal role or something you’ve stepped into because the moment called for it—this course is here to support you.

As a facilitator, you’ll be able to:

Guide nuanced conversations about DEI in a changing landscape

  1. Use real-world case studies and empathy-driven scenarios to deepen learning

  2. Model inclusive facilitation practices that build trust and engagement

  3. Adapt the course to meet different organizational cultures, teams, and readiness levels

  4. Lead sessions that move beyond compliance and into culture, values, and action

  5. Support learners through resistance, discomfort, or uncertainty with clarity and care

  6. Create space for reflection that leads to meaningful, lasting change

The learners you’ll be guiding:

This course is designed to support people who are actively shaping organizational culture—whether through hiring, decision-making, team leadership, or everyday interactions. They may not have “DEI” in their job title, but their choices ripple through the system.

As a facilitator, you’ll be guiding learners who are:

  • Hiring managers

  • HR business partners

  • Team leads and directors

  • People & Culture professionals

  • Organizational development or operations staff

  • Internal equity advocates

  • Anyone responsible for creating or upholding workplace culture

What learners will be able to do

  • Identify how exclusion and inequity show up in systems, policies, and everyday practices

  • Reflect on the role they play in shaping organizational culture, intentionally or not

  • Recognize barriers to inclusion across different stages of the employee experience

  • Use tools and frameworks to assess risk, visibility, and alignment with stated values

  • Navigate tough conversations with more clarity, empathy, and intention

  • Understand how to move from good intentions to lasting, role-aligned action

  • Contribute to redesigning practices in ways that are sustainable and human-centered

  • Engage with complexity—not with defensiveness, but with curiosity and care

More about this course

  • This is a facilitator-led, virtual instructor-led training (VILT) designed for real-time delivery on platforms like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Google Meet.

    • Facilitation Style: Live, discussion-based sessions with breakout groups, scenario analysis, collaborative redesign activities, and optional interactive tools like Mentimeter

    • Structure: Designed for two 3.5–4 hour sessions (7–8 hours total), but can be adapted to fit single-day intensives or modular rollouts

    • Delivery Flexibility: Activities include suggested timing but can be shortened or extended based on group needs and facilitation style

    • Recommended Group Size: 16 participants to support role-based learning and ensure full engagement across the jigsaw activity (4 roles × 4 companies)

    • Participation Requirements: This course is built around active, real-time engagement, including scenario discussions, small-group analysis, and collaborative redesign work.

      Facilitators must be able to use breakout rooms to deliver key parts of the course, . Chat engagement, polling tools, and live collaboration platforms (e.g., Google Slides or Jamboard) are also encouraged to support interaction and reflection.

  • This course is designed to be delivered over two sessions (approximately 3.5–4 hours each), but can be adapted to fit different formats. Each section includes recommended timing, but facilitators are encouraged to adjust pacing and activities to meet their audience’s needs.

    The course is interactive and discussion-based, with hands-on activities, breakout sessions, and collaborative redesign tasks.

    While the course can be adapted for smaller or larger groups, facilitators should note that the full experience is optimized for 16 participants.

    • Facilitator Guide (with timing, notes, and adaptation tips)

    • Slide deck with facilitation notes and embedded reflection prompts

    • Case studies and empathy-based scenarios rooted in real-world dilemmas

    • Inclusive meeting tools and group discussion formats

    • Organizational audit templates (risk, visibility, alignment)

    • Curated follow-up resources: articles, toolkits, and reflection activities to extend the learning beyond the session

  • This course is designed to support facilitators delivering virtual or hybrid learning experiences. It works best in environments where people can connect in real time—with tools that support interaction, accessibility, and thoughtful discussion.

    Facilitators may also use optional tools to enhance engagement:

    • Mentimeter – for real-time polling, check-ins, and word clouds

    • Google Docs or Slides – for collaborative reflection and shared prompts

    • Jamboard, Miro, or FigJam – for scenario mapping and visual engagement

    • Otter.ai or platform captioning tools – for live transcription and captioning

    • Printable or fillable PDF templates for audits and reflection

    All tools are optional. Low-tech alternatives and no-login versions are suggested in the facilitator guide.

    Recommended Meeting Platforms:

    The course is built for real-time facilitation on platforms that support breakout groups, screen sharing, and participant engagement. Recommended platforms include:

    • Adobe Connect (preferred for its structured layouts, pods, and customizable participant views)

    • Zoom (ideal for breakout rooms, reactions, and ease of access)

    • Microsoft Teams (suitable with some activity adaptations)

    • Google Meet (limited features; can be used with external collaboration tools)

    In-person delivery is possible but may require additional setup to support group work, projection, and hands-on interaction with course materials.

    • High-contrast visuals and accessible font sizes

    • Logical slide structure with clear headings and reading order

    • Built-in pauses and reflection moments to support cognitive accessibility

    • Materials designed to reduce overload and support diverse processing styles

    • Alignment with Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles

    • Encouragement for facilitators to begin with an access check-in and adapt delivery as needed

    Facilitators are encouraged to make adaptations based on their learners' needs. An Accessibility Setup Guide is included to support inclusive delivery.

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Use It. Adapt It. Make It Yours.

Learning should be accessible—so this course is free.

But more than that, workplaces should be inclusive, equitable, and accessible too.

These conversations aren’t extras or add-ons—they're essential.

And they shouldn't be out of reach because of cost, hierarchy, or hesitation.

What you’ll find here is fully usable and adaptable. A light watermark is included for visibility—but if you'd like a clean, facilitator-ready version, just reach out.

This is a beta offering—still growing, still listening, open to what you’ll bring into it.

If you use these materials—or even just explore them—I’d love to hear what resonates, what’s missing, and what could be even stronger.

Take what you need. Share what you create.

And if you're working toward something better, I’d love to build alongside you.