Since being sworn in on Jan. 20, President Trump has signed several executive orders with the goal of reforming many of America’s policies surrounding immigration, education, and economic independence.
Among these, his controversial decision to eliminate federal Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (D.E.I.) programs marks a step in the return to a system based on merit and qualifications, rather than identity. D.E.I. has increased inequality and lowered standards by putting race and gender over competency.
By signing these orders, Trump took a powerful step toward restoring fairness throughout the government.
While many of these policies are depicted as ways to promote equality and social justice, they have instead normalized discrimination. Hiring and promoting those with a focus on diversity while overlooking the skills of others has led to inefficiencies in the government, universities, and workforce, where a person’s capabilities should be the primary factor when it comes to decision making. The government should prioritize finding the most able individuals, rather than enforcing a politically charged ideology.
Additionally, D.E.I. contributes to a culture of grievance and sense of victimization. These programs often promote the idea that certain groups are inherently disadvantaged and deserve more opportunities. This undermines one of the most important American principles, that success can be earned by anybody willing to put in the effort, not given based on your demographic.
Some claim that eliminating D.E.I. will harm marginalized groups, however, according to a survey by Pew Research Center, the percentage of U.S. workers who view D.E.I. as beneficial has decreased by 4% from 2023, and a growing proportion of White and Asian Americans believe that it has negatively impacted their opportunities in the workplace. Instead of encouraging true inclusion, these policies have caused division and resentment throughout our country, where one group receives an advantage, while the other is put at a loss. Selecting individuals based on merit ensures that everyone, regardless of their background, has an equal chance to succeed. The Trump administration’s executive order is needed to restore fairness within federal agencies, but also to set a precedent that will hopefully influence our society. This is a substantial victory for equality, unity, and the American values of hard work and individual achievement.
