Opinion: Former surgeon general: America needs a better discourse on DEI

Across the country, state legislatures are considering or enacting bans on state-funded diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. National leaders have broadly criticized DEI efforts, with the current administration working to dismantle decades of federal programs. Businesses that once championed diversity after the deaths of George Floyd and Ahmaud Arbery are retreating from prior commitments. 

But what is fueling this backlash? Is it simply blind opposition to the now toxic terms “diversity,” “equity,” and “inclusion”? A lack of clear goals for program implementation? Is it an ideological push for meritocracy? Is it racism or anger about perceived reverse racism? Regardless, hasty policymaking often leads to unintended consequences. 

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