COLONIAL STOCKHOLM SYNDROME (CSS) AND THE ILLUSION OF WHITE DISENFRANCHISEMENT THROUGH DEIAB: A CRITICAL ANALYSIS Denise Zubizarreta LEAP Institute for the Arts | Arts Leadership & Cultural Management Colorado State University Denise.Zubizarreta@colostate.edu ABSTRACT This paper explores the concept of Colonial Stockholm Syndrome (CSS) in relation to the evolving discourse around Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Belonging (DEIAB) in the United States. CSS refers to the phenomenon in which colonized peoples internalize and defend the cultural norms, ideologies, and values imposed by their colonizers, often to their own detriment. This analysis delves into recent political developments, particularly President-Elect Donald Trump’s announcement that higher education institutions with DEI programs will face financial penalties, ostensibly to offer restitution to white people who have been framed as the “real victims” of discrimination. We also explore the critical role DEIAB initiatives play, including their impact on accessibility for disabled individuals, and consider the implications of stripping these protections away. Categories and Subject Descriptors Colonial and Postcolonial Studies Social Justice and Equity Disability Studies Higher Education Policy and Reform Political Science and Public Policy Keywords Colonial Stockholm Syndrome (CSS), DEIAB, White Disenfranchisement, Accessibility, President-Elect Donald Trump, Higher Education Policy, Disability Rights, Social Justice, Colonial Nostalgia, Systemic Inequity.