What You Must Know about Diversity in Hiring

The Absolute Truth About DEI

I recently reposted a video from a friend about Diverse, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). The video was slick, well-polished, and entertaining. It almost persuaded me that DEI was not good for Black people. But it ignored an important reality and exposed a false aspect of DEI that some individuals and groups want us to believe.

Diversity does not mean being less qualified or inferior. Diversity can offer better choices to accomplish assigned tasks. Diversity may present new approaches to solve difficult problems. Diversity is critical to our survival as a human species.

DEI hires have similar and in many instances, “superior” qualifications to serve in society. In many situations, these workers must overcome extreme obstacles and prejudice to prove their capabilities. It is not an embarrassment to be considered DEI; it should be viewed as a high achievement due to the extreme measures necessary to obtain a rightful position. Applicants often have to go above and beyond to prove their worthiness for years. DEI allows the applicant judged as "most qualified" to be offered the position while other applicants benefiting from outdated conventional profiles and relic loyalties are not. There is agreement that the result of the process can be devastating in the sense that one person has the position while another does not, but this outcome is deemed fair on procedural grounds.

The video I reposted to some of my social media connections presents one-sided propaganda. The presentation is convincing, but you must dig deeper to get the truth. We have to be more careful and introspective of our social media.

For centuries, Americans of African descent have always been hard workers and overcoming the nearly impossible to succeed. The irony is that this success often brings on the ire of the white establishment and severe retribution. Look what happened to Black Wall Street, Rosewood, and Lake Lanier. These were successful African-American communities filled with Black business people, farmers, teachers, craftsmen, etc. These establishments were destroyed by white people who were jealous.

For decades, African Americans and other non-whites have made great achievements in improving their lives and communities, only to be blocked and shut down by systemic racism rampant in America. Many white workers are far less qualified and have been hired due to decades of practices that excluded people of color.

Not all privileged Americans who consider themselves not a minority can be blamed. Many legislators acknowledge there is an unequal playing field. The rules are stacked against some people, and sensible government must step in and guarantee everyone a fair chance to prosper, be productive citizens, and benefit from their hard work.

It took Abraham Lincoln and a Civil War to end an evil called slavery. Recently, government and corporations have had to take measures to correct another problem: unequal employment. Otherwise, this nation would never become a great and genuine guiding light of freedom.

DEI is essential to maintain a progressive and stable society where everybody can participate fully to better our world.

Stafford Levon Battle

sbattle@sbattle.com

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