Despite backlash, DEI leaders say Catholic health systems remain committed

""I am proud that, in the face of external pressure, in the face of DEI being hijacked and sort of redefined as something negative and harmful, we have not been moved," says LaRonda Chastang, senior vice president of diversity, equity and inclusion at Trinity Health.

Chastang says the backlash might in some conversations prompt her to change her language when she discusses Trinity Health's push for diversity, equity and inclusion. Sometimes, she will instead reference terms from Catholic social teaching such as justice and solidarity to explain that the system's DEI efforts are extensions of its mission to respect and provide quality care to everyone, especially the poor and vulnerable."