DEI has been a failure

A recent Gazette editorial expressed the writer’s belief that Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) programs need to be continued. The editorial infers that getting rid of DEI programs will somehow cause harm to immigrants. DEI has been a failure and has nothing to do with our illegal immigration issues.

Diversity is the inclusion of people from differing backgrounds and experiences for a diversity of ideas. DEI programs, however, have mandated diversity based on race, sex and other factors. This has resulted in the equivalent of implementing quotas to meet diversity goals rather than simply hiring the best person for the job.

Webster defines equity as “fairness or justice in the way people are treated.” DEI has been used as an Affirmative Action program that favors classes of people who some believe have been historically disadvantaged. That is why the writer referenced slavery and the relocation of Native Americans. No one living today is responsible for either of those acts and DEI has nothing to do with fairness.

The editorial says that we seem to be eliminating inclusion. It is eliminating itself. The USA has long been considered a melting pot of ethnicities. Immigrants used to come to this country and learn English as a first step toward assimilating into society. What is missing today is this assimilation. Every time that you are asked to “press 1 for English” you are reminded that this is the case.

DEI programs have not accomplished their goal of providing diversity, equity or inclusion.

Adam Cooper

Cedar Rapids