Jun 24, 2025 2 min read

In a June 18 op-ed, Robert Reich, former Secretary of Labor, professor and respected commentator, made the case that DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) policies are good business practice. He made valid points and backed them with facts, but financial benefits aren’t the only reasons for embracing policies that promote fairness and justice.

The meanings of diversity, equity and inclusion overlap and reinforce each other. They are all positive objectives, and it’s hard to understand why some people find fault with their promotion.

Disparaging diversity in a nation of immigrants that is often called a melting pot seems obviously wrong. We are all different from one another, but all deserve fair treatment without prejudice.

The Declaration of Independence says, “all men are created equal.” “Men” in some uses can mean men and women, but the founding fathers were probably sexist. Despite serious flaws at this nation’s beginning, including originally allowing slavery, throughout its history the people have chosen to expand on equity. No one should want to go backward. Equity should be considered a founding principle of the United States.

Evil types of exclusion were once used to oppress people in this country through means like Jim Crow laws. Inclusion embraces and respects that everyone has a right to be included in a free and open society.

Accepting the many diverse people in our communities, respecting their equal rights and allowing them to be included are lessons we teach elementary students. If adults would just remember and practice these basic lessons as they should, there would no longer be a need for policies designed to remind them.

Donald Fitch

Amity