DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion)

From the heart of Dr. R. L. Taylor, Th.D., Bible Teacher & Expositor. What is DEI? It is an acronym for “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.” Diversity means having a range of options, ideas, or perspectives. Equity means fairness and justice. Inclusion means the act of including someone. There’s an all-out assault on DEI. It refers to policies and programs designed to address historical as well as ongoing discrimination by actively seeking to increase the participation of underrepresented groups in education and employment. It's a proactive approach to creating equal opportunities, prohibiting discrimination and promoting inclusion. The stated intention of DEI programs is to create a fair and level playing field where everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed! DEI aims to remove barriers and biases that may hinder certain individuals from achieving their full potential, ensuring that opportunities are available to all based on merit. The White House claims that these things are dividing America, but America is already divided. When programs aimed at producing racial equality and justice are proposed, the opposition is, in part, due to racism or prejudice. DEI aligns with the biblical principles of valuing and respecting people, supporting fairness, and allowing opportunities. Christians believe Jesus taught the importance of helping and speaking for others who are less fortunate. The Bible narrative upholds justice, mercy, and individual dignity. Lemuel's mother (Proverbs 31:1–2) urges her son not to be passive about those in need. Other lessons in the book of Proverbs indicate that righteous rulers care for the poor and weak (Proverbs 21:13; 29:7, 14). As a king, Lemuel is being taught to not merely tolerate those who are weak, but to lend his voice to the “people who cannot speak” (Proverbs 31:8) and his defense to those who are defenseless. There are many selfish reasons people are resistant to DEI. People might be comfortable with the status quo and feel threatened by change. For many, DEI is perceived as a threat to privilege. That’s because DEI often involves discussions about privilege and power dynamics. However the stronger fears are connected to uncertainty about how the programs will disrupt a way of life that most have learned to navigate and benefit from. Those who enjoy certain privileges might perceive these programs as an attack on their personal advantages, leading to opposition and resistance. They may also feel a sense of discomfort or unease realizing they possess certain privileges. When confronted with uncomfortable topics like unconscious bias, privilege, or discrimination, some individuals might become defensive feeling personally attacked or misunderstood. For my brothers and sisters in the Lord, let’s continue praying to God! Be encouraged!