According to news reports and online comments, lots of Americans are unhappy over organizations dropping or reducing their diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs.
DEI, says one source, is “intended to address and correct discriminatory policies or practices that may be found within an organization.”
That’s fine, but, in my opinion, DEI has largely been unnecessary.
Why? Because something like it already exists, and has for a couple thousand years.
It’s called Christianity, the religion “based on the person and teachings” of Jesus Christ.
A good Christian is going to practice DEI as a matter of routine.
Yes, there may be Christians that don’t (I question if they are or were ever true Christians). But that doesn’t stop other followers of Christ from living his teachings, and encouraging others to do likewise.
So, instead of DEI, all we need is Christianity, right?
But not everyone’s a Christian. Some prefer other religions or no religion at all. And what about atheists?
Christ provided an answer for all of that.
He urged us to treat others the way we want to be treated. We know that as the “Golden Rule.”
I’m no theologian, but I believe other faiths also stress, in one form or another, that principle.
One doesn’t have to be religious to abide by it either. In other words, it could be thought of as a secular precept.
Why don’t we all try harder at living the Golden Rule, whether at work, the grocery store or a community meeting?
The results might be so good we won’t need programs like DEI.
Jeff L. Reed
Ashland, Ohio