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Sheri Berenbaum
State College
Trump's dual rampage against antisemitism and DEI (diversity, equality and inclusion) is both phony and dangerous. Eliminating antisemitism is only possible if we embrace DEI.
DEI represents our country's decades-long effort to create a just and equal society, fulfilling our founding principles, codified in our anti-discrimination civil rights laws. Put simply, DEI is about promoting the fair treatment and full participation of all people in a world increasingly plagued with power imbalances.
-- "Diversity" -- welcoming differences in qualities such as race, age, sex and gender, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation and physical ability.
-- "Equity" -- providing equal opportunity to all (NOT guaranteeing equal outcome).
-- "Inclusion" -- embracing a culture in which everyone, regardless of social status or identity, can express their ideas and perspectives.
Despite efforts to misrepresent DEI, it does NOT mean lowering standards.
DEI confers tangible economic and social benefits. For example, research shows that decision-making and business profits are improved when leadership teams are diverse.
Protecting the rights of one group means protecting the rights of all groups. It's not possible to battle antisemitism without also battling racism, sexism and other forms of discrimination.
Diversity is our country's strength. This administration dishonors America when it scrubs government websites of the accomplishments of women and Black Americans, saluting only white men, and censors books that celebrate diversity (while retaining Hitler's "Mein Kampf").
If Trump wants to eliminate antisemitism, as claimed, he must be honest about DEI and restore DEI initiatives. Anything else is a sham.