Today in America, there are stirring conversations about diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). Some people speak of it as a “dirty little phrase,” that has to be removed from society! Others cannot comprehend what the fuss is about, and lastly, many people feel it is “what makes America great!” Why such strong feelings about it? This article will discuss some of the issues surrounding DEI and use definitions by trusted dictionaries for its meaning and moral approaches to why it should or should not be eliminated from American culture.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Defined

Oxford English Dictionary defines diversity as “the practice or quality of including or involving people from a range of different social and ethnic backgrounds and of different genders, sexual orientations.” Merriam-Webster says it is ” the inclusion of people of different races. . . cultures, etc. in a group or organization.”

The question then becomes since America is made up of red, yellow, black, white and brown people, what is wrong with including them in all aspects of society? Secondly, the country is a “melting pot” of cultures. Each contributing to the various foods, clothing, art, music and social values that add brilliance to who we are. No one culture should dominate. Why would it dominate if each plays a role in defining who we are?

America would not be “us” if any one of the pieces were missing. Why do we desire it to be missing? What is the basis for such a desire? How does not having one, make the others better? Some suggest it is because America is looking for “the best and brightest” to serve in all sections of society. Great idea! That is the main reason we need diversity because no one race, or group has a “corner on best and brightest.” To suggest that is true, differs from the history all mankind.

Equity in reference to people is different from equity in a house or property which denotes ownership. However, when referring to people, equity means “fairness and justice and is distinguished from equality: Equality means providing the same to all, equity means recognizing that we do not all start from the same place and must acknowledge and make adjustments to imbalances.”

What are some of the imbalances? Military power in the case of the Native Americans, slavery and racism in terms of African Americans, Asians, Latinos, and sexual discrimination in terms of women and LGBTQ people. History has shown such beliefs and practices destroy equity.

A simple example of imbalance is: If one were seeking to determine the fastest runner in a race of two individuals, is it equity to allow one runner’s starting place to be a quarter of a mile ahead of the second runner? Fairness demands the starting places must be the same in distance. With equity programs, right-thinking people in America, are trying to give each runner the same starting place.

Opposition is saying, “Because I have always had a quarter of a mile ahead of the other runners, it is not fair to demand we all start in the same place or make adjustments for past mistakes. Morality says it is fair to make adjustments for past imbalances and henceforth, always allow each runner to begin at the same starting point. Equality says, I agree with morality. . . equal justice to all.

Inclusion

What does inclusion mean when relating to human beings? The Oxford Dictionary gives this meaning:

Inclusion is “the action or state of including or of being included with a group or structure.”

A second meaning by AL is: “the practice of making sure everyone feels valued, respected, and welcomed, regardless of their differences.”

Merriam-Webster says inclusion is “the act or practice of including and accommodating people who have historically been excluded (as because of their race, gender, sexuality, or ability).”

From this writer’s perspective, the question becomes “Would you like to be the person who is denied inclusion?” Can you truthfully, morally and honestly say you would like to be a victim of adverse diversity, equity and inclusion? Rest assured, no one knows how you feel but you. All we ask is to thine own self be true.

This writer would surmise no one likes to feel disrespected, marginalized and hated because of the way he looks, physical disability, or the country in which he was born. Where is that simple phrase that says, “Do unto others as you wish done to you” or “Love your neighbor as yourself?” American governments have sought to practice those values and move a bit closer to forming ” a more perfect union” as the Constitution demands. What happened? Who are we? What have we become?

Not all politics, business acumen or mere human beliefs understand diversity, unity and inclusion, especially if it is the other person who is being short-changed. And it is sad to say . . . some don’t care as long as they get what they want. Human thought processes must move toward higher levels of thought and arrive at spirituality to achieve the goal of DEI. It takes empathy, compassion, courage, deep moral values and strength to practice diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). Let’s continue the struggle!