It's unbelievable to witness the discrimination and bigotry in America today. When we thought things couldn't get any worse, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a bill banning Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in public colleges, in effect pushing America back 20 years.
t's incredible that in 2023, we are still arguing about the merits of DEI, let alone thinking that someone in a position of power would try to remove it entirely. If we are honest about the importance of it, we know the implications of this decision and why it's so harmful to society.
What is DEI?
First and foremost, it's essential to understand what DEI is and what it promotes. DEI is a set of practices and policies designed to promote fairness, inclusion, and respect for all individuals, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, or other characteristics. It's about creating an environment where everyone feels safe, valued, and represented. By banning DEI in public colleges, Governor DeSantis is sending a dangerous message that diversity, equity, and inclusion are unimportant and not something we should strive for.
Impact of DeSantis' Action
The impact of banning DEI in public colleges can be devastating for students who come from diverse backgrounds. These students need it to have access to the support and resources necessary to succeed in college and beyond. It's well-documented that students from marginalized communities face unique challenges that their peers do not, and DEI programs are an essential part of leveling the playing field. By banning DEI, DeSantis is essentially cutting these students off at the knees and perpetuating a system of inequality.
Banning DEI in public colleges also is harmful because it sends a message to the rest of the world that we don't value diversity. We live in a globalized society, and the success of our country depends on our ability to work with people from different cultures and backgrounds.
With DEI, we can expect a workforce equipped to deal with the complexities of a diverse and multicultural world. By banning DEI, DeSantis says that we are not interested in working with people different from us.
The decision to ban DEI in public colleges is harmful and incredibly short-sighted.
It's no secret that businesses that value diversity, equity, and inclusion tend to perform better than those that don't. Diverse teams bring different perspectives and experiences to the table, and this, in turn, leads to better decision-making and better outcomes. By banning DEI, DeSantis essentially Is limiting the potential of the students in public colleges and the future of Florida's economy and the country at large.
Gov. Ron DeSantis' decision to ban DEI in public colleges is incredibly harmful and sends a message that we don't value diversity, equity, and inclusion. We as a society must recognize the importance of these policies and fight against those who seek to limit them. We must continue to work towards creating a more equitable and just society, and we cannot allow anyone to stand in the way of progress. The consequences of this decision can be devastating, but we must not lose hope.
Dr. Pamela Gurley is a Content Strategy Expert, International Speaker, World-Renowned Best-Selling Author, and Journalist who understands the power of words (both verbal and written). As the Founder/CEO of Clark and Hill Enterprise and IAMDRPGURLEY and Founder/President of the Brown Girl and Brown Boy Literacy Foundation, she is on a mission to empower, grow, transform, and motivate others, as well as lead and challenge social norms and false narratives.