A Commitment to Fairness and Addressing Systemic Injustices

Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) has become a ubiquitous term in modern discourse, but its significance extends far beyond a buzzword. The concept of DEI represents a commitment to fairness and a dedication to tackling systemic injustices that limit access to resources and perpetuate disparities.

• The Trump administration’s attacks on DEI have framed efforts toward equity and fairness as illegal, wasteful, immoral and shameful.
• However, these inequalities remain a daily reality in American society, evident in disparities in housing, education, employment, healthcare, and the criminal justice system.

Persistent disparities in these areas prevent access to resources and opportunities based on race. For instance, African Americans make up approximately 13% of the U.S. population but account for 53% of exonerations after wrongful convictions. Public health expert David Ansell argues in his book “The Death Gap: How Inequality Kills” that these disparities are not just a matter of quality of life but of life itself. Where people are born and how they live shape their access to health care, education, nutritious food, stable housing, and fair treatment within the justice system. This inequity creates a “death gap” where systemic barriers to opportunity and well-being shorten lives.

More Than a Single Concept

DEI is more than an acronym or catchphrase. When reduced to a buzzword, it undermines its importance and the depth of work required to create inclusive spaces.

• Diversity is the practice of involving people from a range of social and ethnic backgrounds who hold varying perspectives.
• Equity is the practice of being fair and just, especially in a way that seeks to address existing inequalities.
• Inclusion is the state of being included within a group in a way that establishes a feeling of being welcomed and respected.

Each component of DEI represents unique aims and challenges. For instance, education funding disparities where public schools attended by majority Black and Latino students receive less funding than majority White, affluent schools, illustrate the inequity that equity seeks to address.

Broad Benefits

DEI can broadly benefit society. Consider the racial diversity in your neighborhood. To what extent is it racially diverse? People of color in predominantly White neighborhoods face discrimination, including encounters with police and community members who question their presence within spaces that have historically been majority White. However, diversity and inclusivity within communities contribute to prejudice reduction and improved race relations. DEI initiatives like automatic doors in grocery stores and sloped sidewalks designed for easy access to road surfaces make everyday life better for everyone.

The Danger of Oversimplification

Reducing DEI to a catchphrase can lead to a superficial understanding and application of the concepts. Some organizations incorporate DEI language into their mission statement without committing to deeper changes that promote equity and fairness.

• Higher education institutions may promote DEI initiatives while failing to address inequities in access and opportunity among students and faculty.
• Despite decades of stated commitments to DEI, predominantly White higher education institutions have made little progress toward racially diversifying their faculty, leadership, or student body.

For example, 72% of U.S. college and university presidents and 72% of faculty identify as white, yet White adults make up just 60% of the U.S. population. Such superficial steps toward DEI squander its potential to transform higher education to truly advance diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Backlash Against DEI

DEI is also susceptible to political manipulation and dismantling. More than 440 anti-diversity, equity, and inclusion bills have been introduced in 42 states since the 2023 Supreme Court decision that ended race-conscious college admissions. States such as Florida, Texas, and Kentucky have recently introduced policies to dismantle programs aimed at promoting racial and gender equity in education and the workplace. Meanwhile, DEI officers and advocates have lost jobs in higher education and other organizations. DEI has become a scapegoat for political and systemic failures. President Donald Trump, for example, blamed diversity, equity, and inclusion for a Washington, D.C., plane crash that killed 67 people in January 2025.

“The Death Gap: How Inequality Kills,” by David Ansell

DEI is not about individual prejudice or emotions. It’s about addressing the systemic historical exclusions of people of color and other underrepresented groups – people who have not had fair and equitable access to resources and opportunities in America.

A Commitment to Fairness and Addressing Systemic Injustices

As educators, we are committed to building fair and equitable living and learning opportunities for all students. We believe reducing diversity, equity, and inclusion to a catchphrase undermines its importance and purpose to tackle the racism and biases that contribute to unfairness and injustice. By recognizing the complexity and depth of DEI, we can work towards creating inclusive spaces that promote equity and fairness for all. This requires a commitment to addressing systemic historical exclusions and promoting fair access to opportunities and resources for underrepresented groups.

Conclusion

DEI is more than just a buzzword or a catchphrase. It represents a commitment to fairness, equity, and addressing systemic injustices that limit access to resources and perpetuate disparities. By understanding the complexity and depth of DEI, we can work towards creating a more equitable society that promotes fairness and justice for all.