Diversity and equity initiatives are increasingly under attack in statehouses, schools, and corporations across the country. But amid this rising rhetoric, a critical misunderstanding threatens our nation’s future—one that could erode our global leadership and economic prosperity.
As often happens in heated debates, the issue begins with language. Take “equity,” for example. Many people wrongly view it as a zero-sum pursuit with clear winners and losers instead of understanding it as fairness and equal access for everyone to have real opportunities. This confusion, compounded by politicized rhetoric, has led to the weaponization of terms like DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion), with some even calling for their banishment and the elimination of programs seeking to right historical wrongs.
Rather than focus on semantics, we should pay attention to what really matters: ensuring that more people, regardless of backgrounds, can obtain the education they need while enhancing the country’s capacity to address challenges through a strong, economically competitive, peaceful society.
At Lumina Foundation, we believe the true value of diversity lies in its proven ability to help people work with others across different backgrounds and perspectives effectively, with understanding and compassion. Whatever we call them, diversity efforts aim to create more inclusive, collaborative, and innovative environments that benefit everyone by creating a sense of belonging and appreciation for what each person can contribute.
The economic benefits of inclusive environments are clear. Research by the global consulting firm Deloitte shows that organizations with diverse teams are twice as likely to meet or exceed their financial goals and six times more likely to be innovative and agile. Similarly, McKinsey & Co. found that companies with the highest gender diversity on their executive teams were 25% more likely to experience above-average profitability.
These practices do more than promote opportunities for historically marginalized groups—they help create more fair and prosperous environments for everyone.
A particular point of contention has been college policies, practices, and programs that promote diversity. Critics argue that these initiatives are divisive, but it would be disastrous to undermine higher education’s mission to prepare individuals for life and work through the wholesale elimination of these programs without assessing what is working or requires changes.
The success of our nation depends on helping more people obtain college degrees and other high-quality credentials, and we must address the unjust disparities that arise when people cannot access these opportunities or are not fully supported to finish their education. The benefits of higher education go beyond jobs; higher ed also prepares individuals to be active, informed citizens. The reality is that factors such as wealth, race and ethnicity, geography, and income continue to create barriers to access and success. Our nation’s prosperity depends on offering every person the chance to succeed.
America is undergoing significant demographic shifts, including growing racial and ethnic diversity, an aging population, and a decreasing middle class. If these populations are left behind, it will be impossible to make up the lost ground.
The work toward equity must acknowledge the intersection of race, income, and geography. When these factors intersect—such as for someone who is Black, low-income, and living in a rural area—the challenges multiply. White Americans can also face disadvantages, although these are not typically related to race.
Understanding that race is a critical factor in creating unfair outcomes is not just about addressing race alone. It’s about recognizing and dismantling all the barriers—whether economic, racial, or geographic—that prevent individuals from reaching their full potential. To ignore these disparities would be to limit the nation’s potential.
In fact, a 2021 study by economist Mary Daly found that the U.S. economy has lost $22.9 trillion in output since 1990 because of racial and ethnic disparities. Moreover, more than 80 corporations filed friend-of-the-court briefs with the U.S. Supreme Court supporting diversity in college admissions in 2022, emphasizing that “talent is everywhere.” As major science and technology companies have noted, if universities fail to educate a diverse student body, they are not educating some of the best talent available.
The debate around language does not change the value of our work, nor should it distract us from our goals. Recently, there has been a growing focus on pluralism—the concept of recognizing different identities and viewpoints—that may ease concerns about free speech, political diversity, and religious expression on campus.
Pluralism and equity are both needed and can work together, rather than pluralism being used to sidestep equity. Self-censorship is an issue on campus, and it’s a broader concern when leaders in education, business, and government limit their judgment out of fear of potential rules or backlash.
Education without equity is a false promise when preparing us for today’s world. When we open more doors to education and talent, we all gain. This is not a political issue, it’s an economic and social one. A nation that provides opportunities for everyone will be a stronger and more prosperous nation.
This article was originally published in Forbes.