Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs are up for discussion in universities after affirmative action was terminated by the U.S Supreme Court .

A DEI program is a way of representing different races, ethnicities, and other factors. 

The program has been applied in various universities and colleges in order to spread diversity, equity, and inclusion, as the name suggests. 

However, not everyone is happy about this. 

There are numerous benefits as well as disadvantages. 

One benefit of the program is that more people can be represented on a given college campus. 

Each person will be respected for their individuality and their separate identities, race gender culture, sexuality, abilities, religion; the list goes on. 

Every student will be able to show their identities and abilities to the fullest, which allows for a greater chance to meet others similar to them. 

Additionally, this gives students a great benefit when expanding their horizons about other cultures and lifestyles. 

By delving deeper into others’ religions and cultures, students are able to prepare for the wider world that they may have been ignorant of. 

Although there are a multitude of benefits that come from the DEI program, there are also disadvantages. 

Many, including some college professors, believe that the DEI program does more harm than good. 

According to Christopher Rufo, applying a classical liberal arts tradition to the school system would allow students to better learn and work. 

This is because, according to Rufo, going to university means to learn, grow, and attain a degree. 

This is not necessarily inclusive of the  social changes that come with a DEI program. 

Another thing to be mentioned is that the DEI program cuts off any academic liberality. 

According to Harvard and Tel Aviv University, the program does little in terms of having an actual effect on students. 

It sometimes provokes even more discrimination based on culture and race. 

According to a CNN article acknowledging this issue, DEI programs have been described as an  “accusation of incipient racism” at times. 

When weighing both the benefits and disadvantages of the DEI program, it is difficult  to come to a decision on what is the correct course for colleges to take. 

However, regardless of opinions, actions both  for or against this issue have been committed already. 

Some universities have terminated DEI entirely, while some have stayed idle. 

Edwin Feulner, part of the conservative think tank group, Heritage Foundation, claimed that the money that goes to DEI programs would be better spent directly on students. 

For example, this money could be used for more textbooks, classes, extracurriculars, etc. 

DEI officers, though, claim that their program is often overlooked. 

The DEI program, according to them, plays a role in representing minority students, students with disabilities, students who are new to the English language, and more. 

One student at the University of South Carolina stated he wants to be taught the subjects and topics decided from academic departments, not state legislatures. 

Colleges in the United States are currently deciding what to do. Their decision could lead to higher or lower fees, among other consequences. 

It is important to see both the pros and the cons of this situation before coming to a conclusion as it will affect numerous students in search of higher education. 

Chaewon Lee
Grade 8
Seoul Foreign School