Differentiating DEI from Equal Opportunity

Commentary

Rational individuals likely welcomed a recent executive order from the Trump administration aimed at banning DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) programs across all federal agencies. One might question why it has taken so long to eliminate such an un-American framework from government operations.

The DEI agenda also seeks to impose quota systems for minorities regarding college admissions and job positions, regardless of qualifications. Essentially, it discriminates based on race, gender, and color, rather than focusing on character, experience, and merit. Martin Luther King, Jr. would likely be appalled by the DEI agenda, as he advocated for evaluating individuals based on their character rather than their physical appearance. He famously stated, “darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that.” The most effective remedy to reveal the reverse discrimination inherent in DEI is through transparency.

Advocates for the DEI ideology further believe that competition and achievement should be devalued in favor of predetermined equitable outcomes. This means educational standards may be diluted so that less motivated students can gain advantages as they progress. The consequences of lowered standards include diminished test scores, intellectual stagnation, grade inflation, and social promotion. Is it any wonder that approximately 40 percent of California public school students require remedial education in language arts and math when they enter post-secondary institutions?

Regrettably, DEI has infiltrated businesses and vital institutions throughout society, making it challenging to dismantle. It tends to penalize those who work hard and wish to compete fairly. It also harms minorities by perpetuating a blanket stereotype that they are victims who need special help to succeed. Such broad claims are demeaning to the intelligence of minority communities, leading many to believe they cannot achieve success based purely on merit and individual talent.

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As a result, DEI has caused significant damage to our society by lowering standards in both academia and the workforce. Consider the potential consequences if an air traffic controller, architect, dentist, doctor, engineer, mechanic, pilot, professor, etc., is hired based mainly on gender, race, or skin color rather than skill and experience. This could jeopardize lives if individuals lacking necessary competencies are selected over qualified candidates because of superficial attributes.

DEI, which encompasses affirmative action and identity politics, violates the law by deliberately targeting minorities for college admissions or job opportunities instead of seeking out all qualified students and workers, regardless of ethnicity or gender. Furthermore, DEI seeks to silence those who challenge its discriminatory practices. Proponents of DEI often forget that America was founded on the constitutional principles guaranteeing freedom of assembly, press, religion, and speech for all, rather than the freedom from these essential liberties.

Now let us focus on equality of opportunity, which is a principle deeply rooted in American ideals. In the United States, everyone has the chance to compete for and pursue opportunities, irrespective of ethnicity or gender. Individuals are also free to create opportunities that generate innovative ideas, products, and services that benefit society.

While many Americans appreciate natural cultural diversity and fairness within the collective framework of America, they resist being forced into an immoral, quota-driven DEI system. True diversity should never compel individuals to feel guilty for past injustices in which they did not partake. Authentic diversity would not select winners and losers in human endeavors based on external characteristics.

Americans hold the belief that no special interest group should be granted additional rights solely due to cultural, linguistic, or religious differences. However, DEI advocates argue that minority groups deserve preferential treatment over the majority, thus undermining the idea of an equal playing field for all. The practice of DEI has also shown inconsistencies, evident in the growing anti-Semitic sentiments targeting Jews on campuses and in public spaces following the brutal ambush by Hamas against Israel on October 7, 2023.

Conversely, equality of opportunity provides the same rights to all individuals aspiring to achieve career training. Is equality of opportunity flawless? Certainly not. It does not guarantee success for every person pursuing opportunities since nothing in life is assured. However, it does offer pathways for those willing to work hard and study diligently. If one opportunity does not succeed, others may arise, allowing individuals to realign their academic and career objectives.

The beauty of equality of opportunity is its capacity to create limitless possibilities through competition and innovation. Individuals often depend on community support and personal initiative to realize their aspirations rather than relying on governmental aid. Whereas DEI treats people like perpetual minors with a mentality of unearned privilege, equality of opportunity fosters maturity, merit, and the development of genuine virtues. The flawed reasoning behind DEI may be plausible under an autocratic regime but has no place in a representative democracy.

The views expressed in this article represent the author’s opinions and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.