While Donald Trump and his new plans to dismantle DEI policies are the latest hot topics being discussed everywhere from school papers to New York Times articles, you might find yourself asking: “What are DEI policies in the first place?” Although the name may make the policies themselves sound complicated, the answer to that question is pretty simple: The acronym “DEI” stands for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. DEI policies serve to maintain, promote, and advocate for exactly that. Put simply, DEI policies are US policies that aim towards achieving full participation and representation within professional fields regardless of race, disability, or gender. These policies highlight the importance of representing historically underrepresented demographics, especially within the federal workforce.
Although most believe these policies are largely beneficial, some Americans argue that they have no place in the Federal Government. One of those Americans is our current president. President Donald Trump has repeatedly said that DEI policies only serve to encourage private sector discrimination. Moreover, the official fact sheet published by the White House demonstrates a critical lack of understanding of DEI policies. The new administration argues that DEI policies give minorities an unfair advantage over other hard working individuals. This document creates the false narrative that DEI policies entitle minorities to political, social, and professional advantages solely based on race, disability, and or gender, when this is not the truth. In reality, DEI policies were passed to even the playing field and correct historical injustices practiced by employers for decades. The federal government is not directly responsible for any potential negative side effects that may accompany them.
Currently, we, as high school students, are immune from the negative effects that come with DEI pullbacks, since DEI policies have little to no intentional effect on highschoolers. However, this doesn't mean the potential side effects of these pullbacks won’t affect us once we reach college. In the absence of DEI policies, college admissions officers are able to reject applications on the basis of racial, gender, and or disability related differences. Many Americans find this process deeply concerning because it could lead to further divides between the states.
To refresh, DEI policies protect minority populations from further marginalization and discrimination. With this in mind, it’s reasonable to assume the termination of these policies would undermine the popularity of diverse studies such as African American Studies and Women’s History classes in schools. Erasing recently established representation within the education system would also erase empathy and classroom engagement levels along with them, proving overwhelmingly harmful towards the growth of inclusion and equal representation.