The Cow of Diversity Lives On: A Response to VMI’s Chief Diversity Officer’s Comments on DEI, Featured in The Washington Post
As a person of color and a thought leader in DEI, I was disheartened to read Martin D. Brown’s recent speech in which he claimed that DEI is dead. As the Chief Diversity Officer at VMI, Brown should understand the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the military and society at large. Instead, he dismisses these concepts and even goes so far as to suggest that the “cow of diversity should be killed.”
At Virginia Military Institute, a college trying to attract more women and minorities, Martin D. Brown declares diversity is the ‘wrong mission’
I believe that Brown’s comments are not only insensitive but also ignorant. The military is increasingly diverse, with leaders who represent a range of cultures, ethnicities, genders, backgrounds, and religions. To say that DEI is dead is to marginalize the growing impact of diversity in the defense of our nation.
I believe that it is a misconception to suggest that diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is a separate mission from the core mission of institutions like Virginia Military Institute (VMI). Instead, I think it’s important to recognize that promoting DEI is an essential lens for fulfilling the core mission of VMI.
As a military institution that aims to prepare cadets to be leaders in the military and civilian world, it is crucial to have a diverse student body that reflects the communities that VMI’s graduates will eventually serve. A diverse student body brings a variety of perspectives, experiences, and skills to the institution, which can enrich the educational experience and better prepare cadets to be effective leaders.
Moreover, promoting DEI is not just about recruiting and retaining individuals from underrepresented groups, but also about creating a culture of respect, understanding, and empathy for all individuals. This culture can help create a more cohesive and effective institution, where all members feel valued and supported.
I believe that DEI should be viewed as an essential lens through which we assess and strive to fulfill the core mission of institutions like VMI. By promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, we can better prepare cadets to be effective leaders and create a more cohesive and effective institution.
“Let’s take a moment right now to kill that cow. DEI is dead,” said Martin D. Brown, who was appointed by Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) in November. “We’re not going to bring that cow up anymore. It’s dead. It was mandated by the General Assembly, but this governor has a different philosophy of civil discourse, civility, treating — living the golden rule, right?”
Brown also attacks the concept of equity, which he clearly does not understand. Equity is about ensuring that systems, policies, and practices are carried out in a fair and impartial manner. It is not about giving handouts or special treatment to marginalized communities, but rather about creating a workplace, military service, and society that values the lives and contributions of all individuals.
It’s important to note that diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are not simply political or partisan issues, but rather, they are essential values that promote a more equitable and just society for all individuals. Therefore, it is not productive or effective to declare DEI “dead” or to dismiss its importance in our society.
In fact, it is crucial that we continue to prioritize and actively work towards creating a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive society. By doing so, we can ensure that all individuals, regardless of their race, gender, sexual orientation, or other identity markers, have equal opportunities and access to resources and support. Additionally, DEI initiatives are not just about “checking boxes” or meeting a certain quota — they are about creating a culture of respect, understanding, and empathy for all individuals.
Furthermore, it is worth noting that DEI initiatives can benefit everyone, not just marginalized groups. By promoting diversity and inclusivity, we can create more innovative and productive workplaces, schools, and communities. We can also foster greater empathy and understanding among individuals with different backgrounds and perspectives, which can lead to a more harmonious and cohesive society.
“VMI’s in a unique space … You’ve been at the tip of the spear in serving our country in sending warriors to battle, but in a way, you’re at the tip of the spear in this cultural war as well,” said Brown, who also argued: “Generally, when you are focusing on equity, you’re not pursuing merit or excellence or achievement. Not all the time, but you’re looking at equal outcomes.”
It is misguided to suggest that pursuing equity and promoting diversity in the military means sacrificing merit, excellence, or achievement. In fact, the opposite is true: by valuing and promoting diversity, the military can better fulfill its mission to defend our diverse nation.
Firstly, the demographics of the United States are changing, with increasing numbers of individuals from diverse backgrounds entering the workforce, including the military. By embracing diversity, the military can better reflect the communities it serves, making it more effective and better able to connect with people from a variety of backgrounds.
Secondly, research has consistently shown that diverse teams are more innovative, productive, and effective than homogenous teams. By promoting diversity in the military, we can harness the unique perspectives, experiences, and skills of individuals from different backgrounds, which can lead to better decision-making and problem-solving.
Thirdly, the military is charged with defending our nation, which is made up of people from all walks of life, backgrounds, and identities. It is therefore critical that the military reflects the diversity of the nation it serves, in order to best understand and serve the needs of all Americans.
Finally, it is important to note that pursuing equity and promoting diversity in the military does not mean lowering standards or sacrificing excellence. Instead, it means ensuring that all individuals have equal opportunities to succeed and thrive in the military, regardless of their background or identity. By valuing diversity and promoting equity, the military can recruit and retain the best and brightest from all backgrounds, which can ultimately lead to greater success and achievement.
The pushback against DEI is not only harmful to marginalized communities but also to society as a whole. Research has shown that diverse organizations are more innovative, productive, and successful than homogeneous ones. By embracing DEI, we can create a more just and equitable society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Rather than killing the “cow of diversity,” we should focus on killing the cow of intolerance, misinformation, and pushback. It is only through embracing DEI that we can build a better future for ourselves and our communities. We should honor and value the lives and contributions of all individuals, regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or religion.
In conclusion, DEI is not dead. It is essential to the future of American society, which is already very diverse. Instead of disparaging and marginalizing diversity, we should embrace it and work together to create a more just and equitable world for everyone.
Effenus Henderson
Reference document:
Shapira, I. (2023, April 27). ‘DEI is dead’: At VMI, Youngkin’s diversity chief slams diversity, equity, inclusion. The Washington Post. Retrieved from https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/dei-is-dead-at-vmi-youngkins-diversity-chief-slams-diversity-equity-inclusion/2023/04/27/48d13a50-a673-11ec-b978-f69dfe621944_story.html
