Marc Morial: DEI Is About American Values, Gov’t and Private Companies Should Hire People Based on It, Not Merit

EXCERPT:

MORIAL: “The president has an obligation to be the president of all Americans. He sounded that theme repeatedly. This does not comport with that notion. It isn't just about paying back those who supported you. It's about affirming American values. I'd argue that DEI was not a center piece of this election. It was about economic issues. It was about border. Yes, it was a subtext. Yes, it was discussed. But let me just go back to 81 percent of the American people. So, when you challenge the notion that doors should be opened, you're challenging the progress that women have made, that people of color have made, that people of gender identity have made over the years to create a stronger and a better America. That's what this is about, an attack on DEI says the work of the last several presidents going all the way back to the 1960s is now for naught. And we have to resist that because it's not consistent. I'd appeal to the new administration to open a dialogue with those of us who understand and have worked hard to promote a more inclusive America. The notion that this is about returning merit. I want to squarely say that's what I call a smoke screen and a cover story.”