POLITICS
What does DEI stand for and why is it being used against Kamala Harris?
The attacks on Harris focusing on her race and gender mirror similar tactics used against Hillary Clinton in 2016.
DEI stands for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. It refers to organizational frameworks and initiatives that aim to promote fair treatment and full participation of all people, particularly groups that have historically been underrepresented or subject to discrimination.
Some Republicans are using the term against Kamala Harris as a criticism, suggesting she was chosen as Vice President primarily because of her race and gender rather than her qualifications.
This criticism ignores Harris’s extensive qualifications and experience, including:
- Serving as a US Senator from California (2017-2021)
- Serving as Attorney General of California (2011-2017)
- Prior experience as a district attorney
Curiously, the term is not used when J.D. Vance is brought on stage, despite having very little of the same experience.
Yet another useless term banded about by the far-right
Critics of these attacks argue that using “DEI” as a negative term against Harris is a misuse of the concept and thinly masks underlying racism. Supporters of DEI initiatives maintain that these programs are designed to create more inclusive and equitable environments, not to promote unqualified individuals.
Given the trajectories of “woke” and “political” in discourse, that is to say they were misused to oblivion, it is likely that DEI will go the same way.