Few three-letter words have polarized our country more than DEI—formerly known as diversity, equity, and inclusion. DEI has engaged America in a ruinous rhetorical civil war, and it is tearing our nation apart. Fiercely devoted warriors on both sides of the debate passionately assert their case, willing to sacrifice time and effort to preserve or suppress DEI’s cause, which in many minds is to encourage representation of Black Americans.
Since the murder of George Floyd in May 2020, several phrases associated with helping Black people have come under heavy fire, such as: “Woke” and “Black Lives Matter.” “DEI” is no different, even though statistics in many areas show that non-Black people have benefitted more from DEI programs than Black people. Sometimes, the facts don’t matter. Research shows that America would be much better off economically if race-based barriers against Black people were abolished. Sometimes, even money doesn’t matter.
