The term "DEI" was declared dead by the left, but the term has since evolved into FAIR: Fairness, Access, Inclusion, and Representation, according to Lily Zheng, a “inclusion consultant” and author of The Political Vise. The FAIR approach is now called "systems-based" work, focusing on changing institutional systems rather than focusing on visible programs like heritage months, diversity training sessions, and demographic targets. Companies including McDonald's, Walmart, and Target announced they were ending DEI programs. However, while these efforts were met with success, the trend of group identity politics continues to evolve. Zheng describes FAIR as a rebranding that avoids the letters DEI and attempts to replace it with FAIR, focusing instead on systems-based approaches that focus on universal fairness while simultaneously emphasizing the need for permanent transformation. She also notes that the March 2026 Executive Order requiring federal contractors to certify they do not engage in discriminatory activities based on race or ethnicity suggests that some entities continue to engage in DEI activities and often attempt to conceal efforts.