Some people think there’s a new Boogeyman in town and he’s out to get white people: crushing white opportunity, pushing ‘woke’ ideology and threatening democracy itself. His scheme embodied in three simple words: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion…DEI.
But there is no DEI Boogeyman, a fact Education Secretary Miguel Cardona emphasized in discussing this newest politically fabricated monster. Like Critical Race Theory and COVID Mask predecessors, the DEI Boogeyman is designed to foster cultural divisiveness, reverse systemic change and challenge the credibility of public education. Education Secretary Calls Diversity Program Cuts Latest 'Boogeyman' To Divide Schools
Secretary Cardona’s voice is a reassuring clap of sanity. But it’s not enough to end the gross misinformation and widespread assault on DEI. Much more help is desperately needed.
Widely implemented following the death of George Floyd and birth of the Black Lives Matter movement, DEI programs are intended to support the inclusion and success of historically marginalized students. Just three years later these efforts are under attack in more than 20 states. DEI Bans at Colleges: What Students Should Know
Although presented as fact, sweeping generalizations about the cause/effect relationship among DEI programs and anti-white hate, student indoctrination, diminished educational excellence and bloated waste are based primarily on hearsay, selective examples and very questionable research. One of the most popular anti-DEI studies is full of problems Are DEI programs improving student outcomes? what research shows
For example, prominent DEI critic Ohio Senator JD Vance, unequivocally asserts DEI policies are wreaking havoc on higher education. He believes DEI is a bullhorn for promoting ‘woke’ indoctrination and also fostering reverse racism. Vance claims any consideration of biological factors like race or sex rather than merit alone is wrong. Unfortunately, he presumes DEI elevates biology as comparable or more important than merit – a common concern that tends to surface when an individual is not white. Vance believes his Alma Mater, Ohio State University, is contaminated by a culture of racial hatred because of DEI. Sen. Vance sends letter slamming Ohio State University DEI efforts, calling it ‘racial hatred’
Some students do feel wronged by DEI policies and their concerns are important to investigate, but only 26% of students nationwide support limiting diversity initiatives. In contrast, majorities of students across the country not only support these policies but also say it would influence their own application decisions. 2023 Higher Education Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Survey 2023 Higher Education Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Survey
Recently, Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin recommended that black athletes decline offers from Alabama universities if the state adopts anti-DEI legislation. Birmingham Mayor Advises Black Athletes To Skip Alabama
Even without credible evidence demonstrating reverse racism and student indoctrination, DEI critics still demand an end to these programs claiming they are bloated, wasteful and ultimately ineffective, conclusions reached by Heritage Foundation researchers and often cited as the gold standard of anti-DEI data. But when you look beneath the surface of the Heritage Foundation study, there’s limited substance.
Researchers collected online data about DEI staff at the 65 universities within the Power 5 College Football Conference. They defined DEI staff very broadly, including not only those hired directly as DEI staff but also employees at various student centers such as women and LGBTQ+ Centers and multicultural affairs. On the basis of analyzing this online tally, researchers concluded that universities were bloated with DEI employees. They then compared four of the universities within their sample and concluded on the basis of those four institutions that DEI staff aren’t beneficial. Diversity University: DEI Bloat in the Academy It’s disturbing to hear this data accepted as fact.
Utah’s Governor Cox, celebrated a freeze on DEI hiring saying these programs were “bloated and ineffective” parroting, if not directly citing, Heritage Foundation conclusions. “Astounded” to learn of the alarming number of DEI employees, Cox may be mistaken if relying on Heritage data. Whereas Heritage researchers counted 60 DEI staff at The University of Utah, Salt Lake Tribune writer Andy Larsen couldn’t come close to that number when reviewing the same data, “unless I took into account a whole lot of young students helping in part-time roles.” Andy Larsen: One of the most popular anti-DEI studies is full of problems
Cox also emphasized another common DEI objection -- diversity statements -- which he called “bordering on evil.” When queried, the Governor was unable to provide examples of evil diversity statements or Utah schools affected. As others have suggested, if diversity statements are so troubling, why not adjust or even eliminate them, rather than eliminate DEI programs. ‘Bordering on evil’: Diversity hiring practices at Utah’s universities will end in 2024, Cox says
Given the disinformation circulating about Diversity and Inclusion policies, we may do well to revert to what we know with certainty: systems resist change, struggle to maintain the power structure best known and desperately work to restore it when systemic upheaval, like that ignited by the Black Lives Matter Movement, open new pathways conducive to systemic growth.
DEI programs are essential to ensuring that these passageways remain open. We all have a voice in making that happen.