RACISM

Why White People Claim DEI is Unfair and Ignore Racist Outcomes

Misinformation undermines fairness in American society

AI-generated portrait of a Black woman with a blurred green background | created by author using CANVA

As Iowa’s public universities move to dismantle their DEI programs, a critical question arises: How can those advocating for “fairness” overlook America’s legacy of systemic racism? A misleading narrative has emerged, framing DEI initiatives as discriminatory against White people. However, this belief ignores persistent racial disparities that continue to plague Iowa and the nation.

When three Iowa university presidents recently justified closing their DEI programs to the Board of Regents, they claimed it would ensure “young White men from rural Iowa” feel a sense of belonging. Yet, their argument was disingenuous. It’s well-known that Black students have historically faced systemic racism in the admissions process. They’re often disadvantaged by underfunded schools and limited access to resources afforded to White students. This tactic, undermining progress under the guise of fairness, is concerning, especially in the months after the Supreme Court banned race-based affirmative action policies in college admissions. Iowa’s public universities are backtracking on their commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive learning environment. Their decision will undoubtedly exacerbate racial…