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Fear is fueling backlash against DEI efforts to create an equal playing field for all Americans irrespective of race and gender. Programs are being eliminated under the guise that they promote unfairness and incompetence.

Nothing could be further from the truth. History is our witness.

There seems to be amnesia about whether this country has always provided and promoted equal access and equal opportunity to Blacks and women in every aspect of American life.

Blacks, women and other minorities will be disproportionately harmed all because fear is fueling backlash against DEI and many aspects of the history of Blacks and women in this country.

That is where real unfairness lies.

America’s history is replete with decades and centuries that chronicle the fact that Blacks have been the most severely and consistently discriminated against and have fought and continue to fight for equal rights. Women and other disenfranchised groups followed the civil rights movement with movements to advance their fight for equality.

Yet, as we celebrate another Black History Month, there are efforts anew to either prevent, distort or recast American history when it comes to the way Blacks have been regarded and treated. All because fear is fueling backlash against DEI and minorities.

The Black experience and history in America, as the saying goes, “is what it is.” No amount of avoidance, elimination, or recasting will change that.

Fear is Fueling Backlash Against DEI
(Photo by Logvinart/iStock Images)

So, will the current administration with the stroke of the pen issue an executive order to have the history of Blacks included and taught in schools?

Not partial, inaccurate, incomplete or revisionist history. But, actual history.

Fear is fueling backlash against DEI and will be a deterrent to teaching factual history.

Anything less than that is designed to perpetuate lies, hypocrisy, and the misguided belief in white male supremacy that has been borne of self-induced fear based on centuries of privilege and inequity practiced and maintained across generations.

That is the concern with the administration’s focus on ending DEI programs, and with many states and private entities following suit by scrubbing and dismantling their efforts to promote equal access and equal opportunity.

In addition, since fear is fueling the backlash against DEI programs, there is the unsubstantiated claim that DEI programs lower qualifications and standards of performance thereby fostering incompetence that can lead to inferior, if not dangerous, operational situations.

That also feeds into the notion that there are jobs that can only and be best performed by white males.

Where is the data? Where is the proof?

Could the only answer offered be that: White males have been universally allowed to get those jobs because fear is fueling backlash against DEI?

What are we to make of the extraordinary hypocrisy and duplicity in it all? The cry is that access to jobs, schools of higher education, and joining the military should be based only on merit.

That is fine. But, how do you get to the table — have a chance — to show your merit?

In the current climate —where fear is fueling backlash against DEI— discriminatory practices will be bolstered. More doors to opportunities will likely close when it comes to employment, admission rates to colleges and universities, access to housing, small business survival, and other areas of life afforded all Americans.

Portions of this article originally appeared in the Missouri Independent

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