In general, do you support diversity, equity, and inclusion programs at US universities and companies?

👍 Yes (46%) – "Diversity of background, perspective, and ideas helps an organization perform better. Beyond that, DEI programs help overcome inherent biases or system issues that have developed over time."

• "I voted yes because fitting into multiple minority groups, I know firsthand that so many people do not know that they hold some sort of discriminatory views. Whether it is microaggressions or systemic oppression, my voice and talent are usually overshadowed by my identity or circumstance (when I don't want it to be). By supporting these programs, I do not plan on “stealing” opportunities, as some imply, but allowing myself to be recognized as an individual and not a demographic."

"It is important that people in the position to hire, promote, and recruit staff students and drive the output of their organizations (content, products, services) consider and understand the value of different people, cultures, & beliefs. All people are naturally drawn to favor people, ideas, etc. similar to themselves. DEI mindset and training helps people intentionally open their minds to consider others."

• "Having a diverse workforce or student body is beneficial to everyone. Without targeted effort to increase diversity in certain fields, such as education, we won't see increased diversity. I understand the theoretical argument of equality in opportunity vs equality in outcome, but we have to acknowledge that people of color, people with disabilities, and other people of differences have systemic disadvantages that prevent equal opportunity from being achieved in our current world. One way to increase the opportunities of the disadvantaged is to increase their educational and work outcomes."

👎 No (41%) – "While DEI sounds good, it discriminates against people on the basis of race. College enrollment is based on race and if you’re not a black or brown person, it lessens the chances of entrance. Equity is equal outcome, equality is true non-discrimination as it offers equal opportunity for all."

• "DEI programs potentially served a purpose when they were created, but that purpose has long since expired. Diversity is more than race or color, equity is more than pay or opportunity, and inclusion is more than sex or gender; but that's where these usually focus. All these programs do is continue the stereotypes of groups of people and exclude people who don't fall (or don't outwardly appear to fall) into any of the DEI buckets, which defeats the point. Any truly successful programs at a company will focus on the individual person, not a blanket group."

"DEI encourages racism. Every single American has equal rights under our current laws. No one deserves special treatment simply because of how they were born. We already have thousands of systems in place to help those who struggle--scholarships, federal funding, state funding. If someone wants to provide more for those who struggle, they are welcome to it. But basing it on skin color is, plain and simple, wrong."

• "DEI, as a program, has not demonstrated enhanced profits or employee engagement (reducing the cost of talent acquisition and retention). It is purely a political movement to align with a UN initiative. It isn't that the spirit of DEI is bad, but it went too far and wasn't founded in sound business practices. If it enhanced the business, then you wouldn't see those initiatives being trimmed. Now it will swing the other direction and forster a return to excellence which is in everyone's best interests. We need to reward for excellence and demonstrated talent."

🤷 Unsure/other (13%) – "I think companies and schools should offer opportunities to all. However, I think the applicant with the best qualifications should be considered above all else. I also think internships are great for those who need a chance to learn and become better candidates for future opportunities."