Backlash against diversity: The growing trend of anti-DEI laws

by Sean Copeland For New Pittsburgh Courier Within the last couple of years, America has seen some alarming choices regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion. Affirmative action and now, DEI bills have been removed from universities, causing a serious uproar amongst what we know in modern times to be lawful and socially acceptable. As for DEI, which stands for diversity, equity, and inclusion, these programs and policies have been in place to protect women and minorities from discrimination, preferential treatment, and implicit bias in education and the workplace. Such programs allow representation and involvement for people of various ethnic backgrounds. Much like affirmative action, DEI programs have allowed minorities to participate and succeed in education, careers, and initiatives. The Rise of Anti-DEI Laws Recently, many states have banned DEI programs inside public colleges and universities. Republicans have taken issue with the programming and have said DEI is ineffective, discriminatory, and a waste of funding. Some have even taken the notion that DEI programs cause more division and discrimination in society. Most notably, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a bill into law in May 2023 that banned the state’s public colleges and universities from spending money on DEI programs. According to a...