While I have no doubt that some individuals and institutions define equity in a manner that is not based on character, competence or merit, this is hardly the predominant practice that research shows is the case. This logical fallacy takes a complex topic and falsely asserts there are only one or two possible explanations, when in fact many more explanations exist. The second statement that “ Equity assigns desirable positions based on race, sex and sexual orientation rather than character, competence and merit,” is a perfect example of what is called a false dichotomy fallacy. Fulfilling this dream whether in our schools, the workplace or in our lives is an asset that recognizes the individual strengths we possess will be amplified if diverse backgrounds are equally included in the process. This is the dream to take the diverse many and make them one. This fear and the desire to return to the past in which those in power were predominately white men is anathema to our nation’s motto of E pluribus unum: Out of many, we are one.Īmerica is exceptional because our founding documents outlined an ideal of how people could govern themselves. The assumption that diversity means a flattering, or a granting of undeserved privileges most often comes from a place of fear of change or resentment that our future no longer represents the world of the past. First the statement related to “diversity” and the second related to “equity” and lastly “inclusion” with the goal of opening our minds to the complexities of diversity in the workplace, in our communities and in our lives. Let’s break down these statements separately to better understand the argument. Espousing straw man fallacies are so much easier than addressing the core issue of discrimination. Reading the above I am reminded of the straw man fallacy in which the perpetrator superficially and most often inaccurately represents the opponent's position in order to refute it. Inclusion now means creating a social environment where identity groups are celebrated while those who disagree are maligned. Equity assigns desirable positions based on race, sex and sexual orientation rather than character, competence and merit. I recently read an op-ed in The Wall Street Journal entitled DEI Spells Death for the Idea of a University in which the author Matthew Spalding made this statement:ĭiversity is no longer a term to describe the breadth of our differences but a demand to flatter and grant privileges to purportedly oppressed identity groups. Yet as so often happens when passions are aroused, the possibility of having a meaningful discussion with any semblance of the critical thinking required to understand the complexity of the subject is virtually impossible. ![]() Nevins is co-publisher of The Fulcrum and co-founder and board chairman of the Bridge Alliance Education Fund.ĭiversity, equity and inclusion are words that excite passion on all sides of the political spectrum.
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