One of the myths pervading our national dialogue is the idea that there was a magical time in our nation’s past in which success was based on merit alone, in which ascension to positions of power was wholly measured by qualification and competence. The myth argues that any focus on promoting diversity comes at the expense of having people in power with proficiency. The myth’s proponents demand that we return to the good ol’ days when qualifications and not identity were what mattered most.
Of course, the idea that there was ever a true meritocracy in this country ignores real history. Our nation has long excluded those without the proper skin color, ethnic background, sexual orientation, religion, or gender. Regardless of ability or proficiency, so many have been shut out of the selection process.
It was this reality that fueled the civil rights movement of the sixties, resulting in the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the establishment of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. With the passage of this law, which was drafted in the conference room of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, our nation finally recognized the ways in which historic disenfranchisement had created systemic discrimination in all areas of American life. In succeeding years, we added to this legislative victory by passing important affirmative action legislation and then, in the eighties, by adopting so-called diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.
While Jews have long supported these efforts, we also have had concerns. Too often, DEI programs have aimed to vilify those perceived to have power and privilege, playing on antisemitic tropes. This has become particularly troubling in the wake of October 7th, where Jewish support for Israel has been seen as racist and reports of antisemitism on campus seen as illegitimate. Too often, Jews have not only been left out of the DEI universe but worse, labeled as DEI’s enemies.
Despite these concerns, we must not abandon our commitment to the fundamental values of diversity. Our commitment to justice should not waver in the face of challenges but rather be an opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations about how DEI can be reshaped to better reflect the realities of all marginalized groups, including Jews.
We must combat efforts by those who demonize any talk of diversity. We must recognize that we continue to live in a nation shaped by racism, xenophobia and discrimination. While we may not be guilty of these crimes of our past, we are most certainly responsible for the challenges that have been left by them.
We must also recognize that the push for diversity and inclusion is not solely about recognizing racial or ethnic differences but also about fostering communities that respect and uplift people based on their unique experiences and contributions. This means acknowledging the complexity of identity and the intersecting challenges faced by individuals who belong to multiple marginalized groups, including Jews of color, LGBTQ+ Jews, and Jews with disabilities.
In the current climate, where issues of power, privilege, and identity are intensely debated, it is more important than ever for the Jewish community to be a voice of reason and a force for unity in the DEI conversation.
Rather than retreating into defensiveness or rejecting DEI efforts altogether, instead of spreading myths such as the fabled existence of a past meritocracy, instead of blaming national tragedies on diversity initiatives, we should strive to shape programs and initiatives that honor the experiences of all communities, including our own.
Just as our ancestors fought for their place in a world that sought to exclude them, we must continue to advocate for a world where every individual, regardless of their background, is seen, heard, and valued for who they are – where all humans are seen as being made b’tzelem Elohim, in the image of God.
With all of its challenges, we must continue to embrace diversity.
