Why Christians Must Reject DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion)

On the surface, the terms "diversity," "equity," and "inclusion" seem like good ideas that everyone should embrace.  But upon closer examination, these terms don't mean what you think they mean.  They mean something very evil and unbiblical.  When political progressives use these terms, they mean something far different from what you might find in a standard dictionary.  Let's take them one by one.

"Diversity" refers to the goal of ensuring that there is an appropriate representation of each identity group.  This means making sure that your organization is not too white.  The belief is that if an organization does not have "enough" people of color, then it is obviously racist.  You must prove that you are not racist by actively pursuing and achieving "diversity."  Achieving this goal means intentionally hiring or promoting black people rather white people, or admitting black students rather than white students, regardless of character or competence.  This definition of diversity is evil because it is a form of racism in that it gives preferential treatment to one group over another because of their skin color.  Instead of pursuing diversity, we should strive for a meritocracy in which the most qualified individual gets the job, regardless of their race.

"Equity" refers to the goal of seeking equal outcomes among racial groups.  The assumption is that disparity equals discrimination.  For example, a higher incarceration rate of blacks than whites is said to be proof of structural racism in the criminal justice system.  A higher high school drop-out rate of blacks than whites is said to be proof of racism in the public school system.  Rather than seeking answers by investigating the behaviors and habits of individuals, equity-pushers only look to group outcomes.  If racism was defeated, it is argued, then blacks and whites would have equal outcomes in every sector of society.  But disparity does not equal discrimination.  Is it evidence of discrimination that the majority of NBA players are black, or that COVID-19 has had a worse impact on men than on women?  Nobody's making that claim.  Instead of pursuing "equity," or equal outcomes, our goal should be equality -- equal opportunities for all.  Group outcomes are impossible to control without treating groups unequally.

"Inclusion", according to progressives, means going out of your way to be welcoming to "marginalized" groups.  Sounds good so far, right?  But this also means the exclusion of anything that could feel unwelcoming to any identity group (see New Discourses).  But what happens when speaking the truth is what makes people feel excluded?  What happens when facts hurt their feelings?  What happens when the the American flag, the Declaration of Independence, and the Pledge of Allegiance make people feel unwelcome?  What happens when classic Christian doctrine makes people feel threatened?  What happens when ideas like free speech and open debate cause people to feel unsafe?  "Inclusion" really means the exclusion of those ideas that the people in power don't like.  There's a word for that -- tyranny.  Instead of "inclusion" we should return to the classic definition of "tolerance."  The modern definition of tolerance means to affirm all views as equally valid.  That's insane.  What about the view that not all views are equally valid?  The classic definition of tolerance is to believe that your view is correct and the alternatives false, but to treat your ideological opponent with dignity and kindness and to respect his right to disagree and to argue for and spread his ideas.  Then the truth can win in the marketplace of ideas.  

So, the next time someone spouts off about the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion, ask what they mean by these terms.  On the surface they sound good, but they actually contradict scripture and threaten the very principles that have made America the greatest nation in the world.