DEI isn't the Villain

(Est. Reading Time: 3 min)     

DEI is not what you get charged with when you get pulled over after a long night at the bar. That's DUI. No, DEI is Diversity, equity, and inclusion. It's a good thing, I promise.

You might be hearing all the buzz about DEI policies being rescinded, and bad press around it. It's being vilified. But let's think about that. People are speaking against diversity, against equity, and against inclusion, by using the term "DEI" like it is a bad thing.

There are people who don't want to be considered "equal" to people of color, people of different nationalities, different genders, "old" people, disabled people, or veterans. Somehow, these people believe they deserve to be paid more, or are more worthy of their promotions. They believe hiring based on "merit" and not DEI. But that is exactly what DEI policies are supposed to help with. DEI is a framework designed to systemically reduce or eliminate discrimination and allow merit based outcomes to thrive. I mean, just think about what diversity, equity, and inclusion mean:

- Diversity ensures different groups are represented.
- Equity focuses on fairness and removing systemic barriers.
- Inclusion ensures all individuals feel valued and have a voice.

"Diversity is being invited to the party, equity is being asked to dance, and inclusion is being able to dance the night away." - Vernā Myers (former VP of Inclusion Strategy at Netflix and Founder & President of The Vernā Myers Company)

However, I've been applying to hundreds of jobs in this job market for over a year now, and I am still not employed. I can understand why some people, especially in my situation, want to point fingers at DEI policies for their problems. But it's not the case at all. If anything, DEI is making my job hunt easier. I won't dye or shave my gray beard, and I do fill out the ADA forms, and without DEI, ageism or some other discrimination would likely be used against me.

With the lateat executive orders from the current administration, though, things are going to actually get sketchy. For example, one of the most disappointing trends I am seeing is the messaging from businesses trying to play both sides, saying they are "rescinding their DEI policies, but still practicing the principles of DEI." With what enforcement or guarantee? How does that message not just alienate both sides?

Not all hope is lost. There are still companies that will keep DEI in the books, because they know it works, and it's good for everyone. Also, most people are aware that this anti-DEI rhetoric is just that, and will not give any credence to anyone spouting off that DEI is the problem. 

So agree with me to treat everyone with respect, equally, and inclusively, despite what happens with policy or law.

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