A recent wave of media attention has pointed to a toxic workplace culture in much of the Washington, D.C., political ecosystem. From the viral “Dear White Staffers” on Capitol Hill, to growing worker dissatisfaction at liberal nonprofits, it’s become clear that the policy field doesn’t always practice what it preaches when it comes to diversity, equity and inclusion.
At the same time, we hear story after story of young voters lacking faith in government. In response, the political class continue to scratch their heads about why millennials and Gen Z feel disconnected.
But the answer is obvious if we connect these two seemingly separate stories: Our nation’s most influential political offices, government agencies and policy organizations are unable to effectively advance a more equitable and just society because they themselves are not built equitably or justly.
