The sudden resignation of former U.S. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle has sparked speculation about the future of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, according to an opinion piece by Glenn H. Reynolds in The New York Post.
Reynolds argues that DEI, a popular term among left-leaning circles, is fundamentally deceptive.
"Diversity," he asserts, is a euphemism for hiring and promotion quotas based on race, gender, and sexuality, which he equates to discrimination. "Equity," while sounding similar to "equality," is actually about treating people unequally to achieve "fair" outcomes, a term Reynolds suggests is subject to interpretation by those in power.
"Inclusion," he continues, seems to exclude certain groups such as Republicans, conservatives, Christians, or white males. He questions the sincerity of DEI advocates, accusing them of selective inclusion.
Reynolds disputes the claim that DEI initiatives are beneficial for businesses, citing a lack of evidence that these efforts improve the bottom line. He refers to a McKinsey study supporting this notion as "questionable." He also points to evidence suggesting that DEI initiatives on college campuses may increase racial division and prejudice rather than reducing it.
Several businesses and colleges, including Microsoft, Google, Meta, Zoom, Snap, Tesla, DoorDash, Lyft, Home Depot, Wayfair, Tractor Supply, and John Deere, have reportedly begun to abandon their DEI programs. The Society for Human Resources Management, a major human resources trade group, is also said to be dropping the "Equity" concept from its DEI efforts.
Reynolds criticizes the Secret Service's performance during the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, suggesting that DEI initiatives may have led to unqualified agents being hired. He refers to Cheatle's promotion of DEI efforts and the subsequent criticism of the agency's performance as a "DEI horror story."
The opinion piece concludes by arguing that focusing on appearances can lead to a failure in substance. Reynolds calls for a focus on ability rather than quotas and "equity," and suggests that a retreat from DEI initiatives could be beneficial.
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