A collection of scholars working across the United States – in both red and blue states alike – present evocative personal accounts to illustrate the profound effects of anti-DEI legislation and policy in the wake of the so-called "war on woke."

The 21st-century political landscape of the United States is marked by continuous efforts by right-wing politicians to target and eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives across the country. As these baseless attacks, led by right-wing politicians who gain favor by leveraging pseudointellectualism and manufactured crises, increasingly focus on higher education contexts, it is more crucial than ever to combat them by centering the lived experiences of those directly involved – staff, faculty, and students.

Through diverse, honest, and compelling personal accounts, contributors harness the power of autoethnography to demonstrate how in reality, contrary to the insincere concern expressed by politicians over censorship, "divisive" ideology, and safety, "anti-woke" backlash threatens academic freedom, compromises personal and professional wellbeing, and endangers the safety of the very demographics this legislation paradoxically claims to protect.

Just as importantly, these narratives also shine a light on how individuals and communities – whether within academia or the broader public – can continue to resist oppression and uphold their values, even when the highest powers in our country seem poised against us.

Lisa M. Tillmann is Professor of Critical Media and Cultural Studies at Rollins College in Florida, USA.

Lori West Peterson is Professor of Communication at St. Edwards University in Texas, USA.

Nicole Richter is Associate Professor of Critical Media and Cultural Studies at Rollins College in Florida, USA.