These three words: Diversity. Equity. Inclusion. For generations, the United States has prided itself on being founded in “Liberty and justice for all”, so why have these three words become so divisive while being deemed the latest threat to democracy amongst conservatives? Across generations, the United States legislation and inner workings of the justice system have proven to contradict the original mission of the Constitution through many discriminatory practices, which forced minority communities to create their own programs (and universities), to provide access to equal opportunities. Last year, the 6-3 decision of the Supreme Court prohibiting race as a factor in college admissions shook the world of higher education, eliminating any further progress under the implementation of affirmative action. The concept of Affirmative Action was developed during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s in response to the systematic discrimination women and communities of color experienced in the workplace and academia. The idea was to guarantee that underrepresented groups had equitable access to foster inclusion and growth. President John F. Kennedy’s 1961 Executive Order 10925 was the first formal policy to execute these principles. “Affirmative action to ensure that applicants are treated equally without regard to race, color, religion or national origin.” is what the executive order mandated government contractors to do. However, with the recent overhaul of certain legislations that ensured equal opportunities, it’s clear more than ever that equality is still seen as a threat to privilege.
This month, Duke University announced that it would be eradicating its Reginaldo ‘Reggie’ Howard Scholars program. The scholarship was founded in 1979 and was named in honor of the first Black student body president of Duke University, who died in a car accident while he was a sophomore. Duke stated that it informed current scholarship holders that the change was required “due to the legal landscape related to race-based considerations in higher education” in a statement posted on its website. According to another statement provided to CNN by a representative for Duke University, “We are reimagining the Reginaldo ‘Reggie’ Howard Scholars program to expand the impact of Howard’s legacy to many more Duke students with a commitment to leadership and social justice.” Since its establishment, the Reginaldo Howard Scholarship has provided full-ride scholarships to students of African descent who excel in the classroom, and beyond. However, recent changes state that it would no longer be a scholarship program, but instead, would be rebranded into a leadership program open to students of ALL demographics while offering need-based financial aid and amplifying the initiatives of the Mary Lou Williams Center, whose mission is to “Foster a safe and affirming community that supports the diverse needs of Black-identified people” at the reputable university. The war on D.E.I. in regard to higher education doesn’t just stop at Duke. The Board of Governors of the University of North Carolina also decided to replace and repeal the institution’s current diversity and inclusion policy. Andrew Tripp, the senior vice president for legal affairs for the university and board of governors, stated at a committee meeting that the new policy will highlight the university’s commitment to “non-discrimination and institutional neutrality.” The policy will go to the entire board for final approval in May.
Diversity, equity, and inclusion programs across multiple sectors continue to be targeted as a hazard to equality when, in reality, they are just a threat to entitlement. Many states including but not limited to North Carolina, as well as Georgia, Texas, and Florida, have begun to adopt non-inclusive policies in professional spaces, higher education, and even beyond the personal boundaries of reproductive rights. Although we are finding ourselves in the prime of a presidential election, these are the stories that should remind us that local elections MATTER. If your vote didn’t count, they wouldn’t be trying so hard to eliminate it.
