DEI and The White House

 

Why are there diversity, equity, and inclusion policies and programs that help organizations comply with civil rights laws by ensuring that all people are on an equal footing in the workplace and in educational and medical settings??  Why are Civil Rights not already being applied!?

First, I’d like to say that it was very interesting to read the Executive Orders eliminating DEI programs within the United States.  I read them through about three times, while trying to synthesize and view them from different aspects.  States were asked to “terminate, to the maximum extent allowed by law”.  Not necessarily eliminating them all together.  Some view DEI as putting certain populations on a pedestal, above others, regardless if they are best fit for a situation/job.  When in reality the Civil Rights Act of 1964 should give ALL people, having the same capacity, equal opportunity.  We should all be held to the same standards.  “Americans deserve a government committed to serving every person with equal dignity and respect, and to expending precious taxpayer resources only on making America great.”  Trump also emphasizes that one “shall reward individual initiative, skills, performance, and hard work”.  No one shall be rewarded just because of their gender, sex, race, etc.   

I think that if these programs are eliminated then there should be accountability for individuals violating basic civil rights.  I understand that Trump is attempting to stabilize our economy by eliminating “wasteful” spending.  Ideally, if civil rights were enforced, DEI programs would not be needed.  Unfortunately, there are many individuals who are biased.  Sometimes these individuals might not even be aware that they are doing this.  If DEI programs “...are strategies to equalize opportunities for groups of people who are unfairly disadvantaged.” then why does this go so far above and beyond just that?  Proper training and programs could consist of exercises where people could become more aware and conscious of these biases.  Using the money that was used for DEI could be used for training individuals and will result in fair practices for everyone.       

Because I was still unsure of exactly how I felt, I went in search of more information.  I found a VIDEO that explains diversity and inclusion.  Sarah Hassaine, lead of a global inclusion and diversity team, talks about what her job is.  She helps businesses think about criteria for creating a truly diverse and inclusive workplace.  She also states that “DEI has a very limited definition, which is holding us back.”  This supports the need to have trainings and strategies available to workplaces and schools to ensure these criteria are considered.  These strategies should be a reflection of the diversity that is found in these communities.  The executive orders around DEI will affect our schools, there is no doubt.  However, whether those ways are good or bad is yet to be revealed.  What I do know is there are clearly misconceptions about DEI, what it is, and who it benefits.  Also from what I hear, funding for DEI and certain populations is not necessarily used for that purpose.  If grants/funds are allocated for, lets say, MLLs, then why isnt that money used for that?  This is where accountability comes into play.  This is why Trump has given these executive orders.  Although we do not live in a world that “natually defaults to inclusive and equitable behaviors”, it does not mean that cannot come with some accountability!