Senior academic leaders face difficulties implementing BAJEDI (belonging, accessibility, justice, equity, diversity, and inclusivity) policies in higher education despite societal pressure for equity. The significant influence of academic institutions on society's future is marked by persistent diversity policy failures, with racism often being an overlooked cause. More research is imperative to comprehend these implementation challenges, particularly considering systemic structures, communication, and marginalized voices within toxic environments. But in the interim, scientists of color (students, staff, faculty, etc) continue to be adversely affected by the impact of racism.