While some argue that diversity initiatives in the workplace undermine equality, others claim that equality cannot be achieved without intentional diversity efforts. However, these two principles should not be seen as opposing forces. True progress lies where diversity and equality coexist: individuals from diverse backgrounds are subject to the same qualifications, qualifications that anyone can work to achieve.
Our country developed in an era of deep injustice, where slavery and racial discrimination severely restricted opportunities for non-white individuals and women were denied voting privileges because of their sex. Over time, America evolved into a nation where people from diverse backgrounds could hold influential positions, attend prestigious universities, and access the institutions that foster success, education, and equality. While these strides forward are undeniable, our nation now faces an overcorrection where the pursuit of diversity sometimes comes at the expense of merit-based opportunity. Such an overcorrection has been seen in American politics in the recent deterioration of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The impact of this political shift is already being felt across the nation.
DEI is based on three core concepts represented by each letter of the initialism. Diversity means having individuals from different backgrounds and cultures represented in a workplace or institution. Equity focuses on creating fair opportunities and treatment. Inclusion promotes fostering an environment where everyone is respected and contributions are valued. These three core concepts are great for American institutions but are concepts that come at the expense of others, empowering some people more than others because of selective identity-driven diversity.
DEI initiatives have been implemented across various sectors, including aviation and the military. Airlines are reportedly working to increase diversity among their pilots through outreach, recruitment, and scholarship programs aimed at attracting candidates from diverse backgrounds instead of focusing on hiring the most skilled and well-trained pilots. In the military, DEI training programs have been introduced to address unconscious biases and foster a more inclusive environment. This is especially prevalent in the Air Force, where a Diversity and Inclusion Task Force was established to identify and address demographic disparities rather than focusing solely on the success of the strongest and most capable soldiers.
DEI was implemented in universities’ admissions processes through affirmative action until the Supreme Court in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard ruled this to be unconstitutional. If this standard is upheld in educational institutions, it should be upheld in all institutions. Instead of promoting racial ideals or setting a goal to reach a diversity threshold, just as the smartest individuals are accepted into schools, the most skilled individuals should be accepted into the workforce.
The restoration of merit and the inclusion of diversity is a balance fundamental to the nation’s prosperity. We must prioritize building up our institutions, not select identity groups. Implementing three core steps will allow for diversity and merit to thrive together: first, set and publicize high standards for employment and admissions; second, ensure that institutions are welcoming to all individuals who meet these standards; and third, guarantee equal access to these opportunities. This last step will be the most effective in ensuring diversity is still achieved because it begins at a type of institution that reaches nearly everyone: schools.
Focusing on improving public education and ensuring schools have funding and the resources to allow children from all backgrounds access to equal resources and educational opportunities will reinforce the American ideal that anyone can achieve success in this country with hard work. Applying these same principles to the military, airlines, and other industries by advancing hiring opportunities and establishing clear, unwavering standards will allow all individuals to recognize and work towards the qualifications they need to achieve these positions. Alongside enforcing the prevention of those who promote race-based hiring and standards from holding such positions, these reforms will end the systemic barriers that hinder true, healthy diversity in our workforces.
In a just society, the only metric for success should be an individual’s qualifications, skills, and efforts. This principle is emphasized by President Trump’s repeated calls for a merit-based approach to American employment and education and his push for a “colorblind” society. Especially for institutions like Vanderbilt, where students pride themselves on their academic achievements, merit should take precedence over identity. Students work hard to earn their place in these institutions, and their continued success should be determined by their dedication and capabilities, not by an arbitrary commitment to diversity. When universities prioritize diversity over educational merit, they devalue the purpose of higher education itself. The competitive drive in America is what allows our country to continue to prosper. Competition is not the enemy; the lack of it is. A country that is not led by the brightest minds and the most skilled individuals is a country that will not progress.
Ultimately, America does not have to choose between diversity and equality. The two can and must coexist. While racism and biases may still be present in various parts of the country, the radical push for DEI has demonstrated that we must shift our direction. Diversity should be encouraged and accepted in every career field and institution, but it should not be forced under a DEI policy. DEI is not a concept that helps America prosper but is one that stunts America’s growth.
Martin Luther King Jr. once proclaimed, “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they are judged not by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.” His words remind us that true diversity must walk hand in hand with equality. The nation must ensure that individuals from diverse backgrounds meet the same qualifications and that everyone has the opportunity to achieve those qualifications rather than lowering standards in the name of diversity. We must build up our institutions to build up the individual. By embracing a merit-based approach while fostering accessibility, America can uphold the ideals of both diversity and equality, ensuring a future where opportunity is available to all based on ability and effort, not just identity.
