End the war on DEI

“The best thing about my age is trying to figure stuff out. Because as of right now, I know where I’m headed — but there’s still a lot of options available for me.”

Texas legislators in the House recently voted to pass Senate Bill 17, a bill that requires the state’s public universities to cease operation of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs, initiatives and offices. With a 83-62 vote, the bill eliminates a university’s ability to accommodate the needs of their diverse populations and promote inclusive and healthy environments.

This is a grave mistake.

The proponents of the bill, namely Rep. John Kuempel, R-Seguin and Sen. Brandon Creighton, R-Conroe, wrongfully believe that DEI offices in schools are “politically charged” and emphasize equity over merit.

These reasons reflect the general aversion toward DEI efforts. Even in RSD, there has been a constant tug of war with DEI between the interests of students and the community.

“I would say freedom. I can drive, but I also don’t have that much responsibility.”

Within the past year, the RSD Board of Education (BOE) cut contracts of SistaKeeper Empowerment Center, the L.O.V.E. Project and leadership programs conducted by Tony Thompson Inc. These programs were tailored primarily for Black students and were considered a means of achieving equity within the district.

The mere mention of anything race related within the curriculum causes a frenzy among the community. On top of that, the resignation of former executive

“The best thing is that I still feel good. I can still move and my students keep me young. I don’t know if that’s because I’m 49 or if it’s because I work in a high school, but I feel young.” director of student services Dr. Terry Harris due to challenges among the community showcases the cynicism towards DEI.

However, as students of MHS, a diverse public school with an active DEI committee, we witness the importance of DEI work firsthand.

Many successful programming included the Festival of Nations and murals that reinforce MHS values. As students, we feel that the DEI committee’s work has made our school feel more interconnected. Promoting diversity isn’t meant to be threatening simply because every single person is diverse. Diversity doesn’t necessarily refer to race, ethnicity or cultural backgrounds. The word is all-encompassing. Age. Social class. Genders. Sexual orientations. Religious or moral systems. Physical ability.

Each individual is a culmination of their identity and experiences. The push for diversity is meant to be uplifting, not threatening.

DEI work arises out of the motivation to make all feel comfortable within their place of work. Encouraging unique perspectives and open dialogue is a facet of the DEI mission.

At MHS, our diversity is our secret weapon. If more students ally with the DEI cause through DEI community initiatives, then we can make substantial progress within our own school.

The war is convoluted, but with more support for DEI, we can achieve more unity and inclusivity.