Greg Abbott opposes DEI in the work and educational spaces. DEI represents diversity, equity, and inclusion. Texas is now calling this illegal.
Professional settings originally introduced DEI to promote equality and fairness. Certain groups like the LGBTQ, the mentally disabled, or the physically disabled have a history of not having as many opportunities as the average person. Due to this, diversity, equity, and inclusion have been heavily considered during hiring processes. Companies have been observing how diverse their spaces are and trying to keep this at a decent rate.
Recently, Greg Abbott wrote a memo saying he sees diversity practices as illegal and that it leaves out a group of people. The diversity apparently favors another, but he also doesn’t elaborate on who this excludes. The places that go by these practices state that they practice DEI to provide representation in these spaces. In schools, DEI offices are there to encourage students of color to stay in college and encourage graduation.
Also, it’s important to note this is not favoring one group as students of color have lower graduation rates that their counterparts. In fact, this is encouraging them to catch up and have graduation rates equal across all demographics.
Furthermore, this opposition to DEI is coming after the opposing of critical race theory. This has all been in an attempt to say whites have been treated unfairly in the work and educational space.
What’s The Reaction?
Following the statements made by Abbott, activist groups such as the NAACP have responded. Moreover, they’ve asked for sports teams to take action too. Not only have they stated that Abbott has misinterpreted DEI but they have also urged Texas sports teams to not play in their state until he takes this memo back. The NAACP wants college teams, in addition to professional sports teams, to not compete in Texas.
Some lawyers operating out of Texas also have comments on this memo. Texas-based lawyer Andrew Eckhouse also supports diversity. He acknowledges that quotas and percentages are being held on diversity but says, “Contrary to what the governor is implying, DEI initiatives have nothing to do with quotas, screenings, or exclusions.”
He then goes on to say, “Employment decisions must be non-discriminatory, that is nothing new, yet Governor Abbott’s letter completely mischaracterizes the role of DEI in employment decisions.” This suggests that Abbott is talking about the diversity practice out of context.
Black lawmakers held a press conference on Tuesday. Those who opposed Abbott’s statements were in attendance. The Mexican American Legislative Caucus was also in attendance to oppose these statements. At the conference, attendees discussed the advances of Texas. Neave Criado came out to say, “Removing DEI initiatives will only hurt our Texas economy and diminish diverse representation in hiring.”
How to Move Forward
Overall, many think this is part of the agenda. Or that this misconstrual of DEI is part of a larger plan.
This happening after the opposition of critical race theory is no coincidence. Republicans seem to be trying to push things in their favor. Claiming that DEI is discriminatory is in fact contrary to its intended purpose. It might favor certain groups but these groups have been historically ignored or set up for failure. DEI is to help these groups catch up with their counterparts. Those who are considered “left behind. If everyone has the same opportunities and the same chances as those who had a chance from the start this can not be considered. This is not discriminatory but fair. This is the goal.
The lawyers and POC boycotting this message is a good move because deeming this illegal would not be in Texas’ best interest. It’s important to have representation in educational and work spaces because it encourages more people to get involved in these spaces. That’s what we should be striving for anyway, involvement.
By Cynthia Thomas
Sources:
The Texas Tribune: Gov. Greg Abbott tells state agencies to stop considering diversity in hiring
ABC 7 Eyewitness News: Texas Gov. Greg Abbott says diversity efforts ‘illegal,’ state agencies should stop
Austin American Statesman: Black lawmakers outraged at Gov. Abbott’s call for state agencies to end DEI hiring
Top and Featured Image courtesy of Gage Skidmore‘s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
Inset Image courtesy of World Travel & Tourism Council‘s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
