Why is administration in Washington D.C. so concerned about DEI?

To the editor:

DEI stands “diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) which … “are organizational frameworks that seek to promote the fair treatment and full participation of all people, particularly groups who have historically been underrepresented or subject to discrimination based on identity or disability. (Wikipedia citation, March 26, 2025)

What does that mean? It means that people should be nice to each other. It means that people should respect one another because we are all human beings with the same desires and values.

The problem is that people are not respectful to each other all the time. So, laws are passed that encourage people to be respectful. For example, if you have a disability and you apply to rent an apartment, the landlord cannot prevent you from renting that apartment because of your disability.

If the landlord breaks the law, he or she can be punished. These laws are made to protect human rights. Human rights backed by laws are civil rights.

The Minnesota Human Rights Act was passed in 1967. It was decided at that time that respect for one another was fundamental to the continuation of a working democracy. Yes. Isn’t that something? Democracy means that all citizens have rights to live and work without, for example, being a slave or to be forced to use different bathrooms based on the color of your skin.

The current administration in Washington, D.C., is against all forms of DEI it seems. Does this mean that the administration does not want people to be respectful to one another? Why would the administration not want its citizens to strive to be civil and kind to each other?

What do you think?

Peter Engstrom

Fairmont