Wendy Oellers-Fulmer: DEI was to promote people historically unrepresented, discriminated against

To The Daily Sun,

DEI has become a political flashpoint, inciting a literal tsunami of drastic changes to a program that was initially developed to promote equitable standards for diversity, equality and inclusion. The initiative was to support the inclusion and promotion of people, who historically were unrepresented or discriminated against due to their age, disability, gender, military service, religion, sexual orientation and more-even if they were qualified candidates.

To unpack the DEI acronym:

Diversity includes a representation of these groups in all levels of an organization.

Equity represents fairness and impartiality, whether it’s being paid, treated or considered for opportunities.

Inclusion has to do with whether people feel respected and valued, the antithesis of discriminatory behavior.

These diverse groups have been historically unrepresented. The success rate of DEI has depended on how well the programs were implemented.

In researching the impact of DEI, white women were the ones who benefitted the most, especially in the corporate world and higher education. As a result, the 35% wage disparity for women in 1982, is currently reduced in 2024, to 15% of men. But DEI initiatives have not been as significant for other groups. Systemic exclusion still exists in workplaces, especially in the advancement to senior positions.

Another group that has been impacted by this administration’s war against DEI are our schools.

There have been decades of bipartisan support for ensuring equal access to education. Consider the dismantling of our U.S. Education Department and the threats to pull funding from schools with DEI instruction, hiring and training. This mission of DEI training was to educate about the importance and value of supporting diverse perspectives, equitable treatment and developing a inclusive environment.

What has happened to the U.S.'s commitment for human prosperity, human rights and fundamental freedoms of all persons within the United States?

Wendy Oellers-Fulmer

Gilford