A Long Road Ahead

We need to be honest about DEI's shortcomings. Advocates of DEI, like myself, have a challenging journey ahead. Recently, many people have been calling for the outright abolition of DEI. The allure of abolition is undeniable — it's decisive, sudden, and makes for catchy headlines. However, banning DEI is merely an easy exit ramp that fails to address the deeper necessity of cultivating environments where diverse experiences are truly valued.

We don't need the destruction of DEI. We need a thoughtful recalibration. This involves embracing full diversity — not just in demographics but also in thought and expression, where inclusion means bringing together a diversity of perspectives and experiences.

Problem 1: Inconsistency in Free Speech Application

Again and again, we see a disparity in how institutions handle speech, often influenced by the speaker's identity. When traditionally marginalized groups speak up, their freedom of speech is fiercely guarded. The problem arises when this protective stance shifts if the speaker does not belong to a predetermined marginalized group.

This "seesaw in a storm" behavior shows how some institutions selectively choose which values to uphold, and against whom. The shifting of values can trap people in a never-ending loop of grievance and bias claims, where even harmless comments can be misread as hostile. It's nearly impossible to build a true sense of community when everyone is walking on eggshells.

Free speech protections should apply to everyone, not just a select few. No one should feel silenced based on who they are. Higher education needs a true marketplace of ideas. We should challenge censorship from both political extremes.