Want More Diversity and Inclusion? You’re Too Late

The days of diversity and inclusion initiatives are long over. They are (were always) Band-Aids over giant—and potentially mortal—wounds. The events of Charlottesville, and their aftermath, have made this clear.

What good are diversity initiatives when America’s robust white supremacy movement calls for the death, deportation, or imprisonment of all non-whites (and all Jews and Muslims of all races)? Or when the President of the United States of America routinely enables and encourages that movement?

Would diversity training in Germany in 1932 have prevented Hitler’s rise to power? Would discussions about inclusion have stopped the Armenian genocide of a century ago?

What took place in Thomas Jefferson’s hometown did not reveal some new attitude or ambition. The events merely removed a veil, uncovering what has long been a part of American culture and life. For generation upon generation, many leaders—especially many white leaders—have looked away. That is no longer an option.

Our country has been disfigured by a chronic, historical, and potentially fatal disease. That disease is not a lack of inclusion. It is white supremacy. To varying degrees, this illness infects our government, our public discourse, and our enterprises. Now, at last, it is being called by its name—even by our president.

As I write this blog post, three prominent CEOs—the Presidents of Merck, Intel, and Under Armour—have resigned from President Trump’s American Manufacturing Council in response to Trump’s belated and desultory response to Charlottesville. That’s a start. Now every leader with a conscience, with an ethical center, needs to take a stand as well. Especially white leaders. 

History has overtaken our milquetoast diversity and inclusion initiatives. (Ever eaten milquetoast? It’s a slice of brown engulfed by whiteness.) It’s too late to attempt to make your organization more equitable and just through such initiatives. Our country's deep wounds are visibily gapping. 

To save it, each of us must now take a public stand. You must. I must. Every American leader, no matter from what sector, must. Because after Charlottesville, silence equals consent. So does inaction.

Will you publicly denounce white supremacy in all forms, however and wherever it appears—in our streets, in our government, and in your own organization?

Then, will you walk your talk as you lead, and work to overcome and dismantle it—especially in your organization?

Or will you stand on the wrong side of history, and be known by future generations as a white supremacist collaborator?

So, what kind of leader are you and are you willing to be?