By Mark Doggett
Kentucky post-secondary institutions would be wise to back off their obsession with so-called “diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).”
In the most recent Kentucky legislative session, Senate Bill 6 proposed a ban on discrimination against college students and employees, providing protections for political and social viewpoints that run counter to institutional DEI inclinations. The bill did not advance to the floor for a vote only because House members attempted to replace it with even stronger legislation banning DEI offices and courses promoting or endorsing specific DEI political viewpoints.
If SB 6 had passed, Kentucky would join 28 states that have now introduced legislation limiting or defunding DEI with 11 of those states passing some form of DEI limitations.
So why do post-secondary schools love DEI? On the surface the words diversity, equity, and inclusion seem harmless enough, and even virtuous. And who doesn’t want to be virtuous? The devil is always in the details.
Inclusion means “to be a part of” or “belonging.” Who would object to that? However, in practice inclusion also means excluding or shutting out those who are not part of the “in-group.” For DEI, the in-group is anyone of color or someone who claims to be a victim of oppression. Claim to be marginalized and you can be part of the group. Who is not included? Anyone of European descent. They are considered “oppressors.” Even white allies who support DEI are oppressors because they have “privilege.” Asians and Jews are also called oppressors.
The DEI definition of diversity follows the same convoluted logic. In science, diversity is the difference between things, indicating a variety. Diversity is thought to be a strength. However, DEI turns diversity into tribalism by dividing people into groups sorted by their “identities.” Identity politics assumes beliefs and values are based on a set of visible characteristics. DEI places people into categories based on their race, religion, sex, color, or ethnic origin. To be DEI approved, you must identify as being oppressed or declare your privilege.
Equity is the most disturbing of the DEI triad. Proponents attempt to use it as a synonym for equality, but equity is distinctly different. Equity is about fairness or a lack of favoritism, but DEI gives favoritism to those in the preferred tribal group. Supposed oppressors need not apply. In fact, anyone who expresses unapproved political views, has apparent privilege, or perceived merit is a “colonizer.” DEI asserts that we must be decolonized to achieve the “virtuous” goals of DEI. Imagine what decolonization would look like.
DEI divides us into tribes and plays favorites. Reverse discrimination is not empowerment or an improvement.
Freedom to earn our success and improve our personal lives is what unites us.
I believe parents will eventually send their children to schools that promote a rigorous education over political activism. Will college administrators begin to think differently about pushing DEI onto students and faculty? Probably not, but they should know that DEI is operating on borrowed time. DEI is the walking dead that nobody really wants.
Mark Doggett, PHD
About Mark
Mark Doggett is a professor in the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences at Western Kentucky University.