The FULL Erec Smith: A Diversity Trainer Speaks Out Against DEI

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: A Critical Examination

The Role of DEI Training

• Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are framed as collective responsibilities. However, former DEI trainer Erec Smith argues that current DEI training may be counterproductive.

Understanding Privilege Walks

• Smith discusses the concept of a "privilege walk," where participants step forward based on their backgrounds to visualize privilege levels.

• He emphasizes that the purpose is not to induce guilt but to raise awareness about societal disparities.

Critique of Current DEI Practices

• Smith critiques the notion of privilege being equated with accomplishment, arguing that this perspective is unfair.

• He suggests that perpetuating discussions around race can create a business model for those profiting from racism.

Effectiveness of DEI Initiatives

• The discussion highlights how companies engage in DEI initiatives more for public signaling than genuine effectiveness.

• Smith notes that these trainings often lead to increased discomfort and avoidance among individuals when interacting across racial lines.

Misinterpretation of Key Concepts

• Smith explains that terms like diversity and inclusion have been redefined; diversity now focuses on physical representation rather than ideological diversity.

• He clarifies that equity aims for equality of outcomes rather than opportunities, leading to controversial educational practices like eliminating standardized tests.

Motivations Behind DEI Efforts

• The motivations behind promoting DEI can stem from both resentment towards white individuals and a desire for black dignity; however, these efforts may be misguided.

Pathways to Genuine Change

• Smith advocates for empowering marginalized groups through education and entrepreneurship instead of fostering a victimhood mentality.

• He warns against framing cultural norms like punctuality or language proficiency as oppressive, suggesting it undermines agency within communities.

Diversity Training and Its Implications

Coca-Cola's Controversial Diversity Training

• The discussion begins with a reference to Coca-Cola's diversity training, which sparked significant online debate. The speaker uses this example in teaching conflict management.

• The training emphasized the idea of "trying to be less white," suggesting that individuals should move away from Eurocentric values and attitudes associated with oppression and ignorance.

• This approach is critiqued as an attempt to demonize opposing views, aligning with Marcuse's concept of "repressive tolerance," where nothing from the other side can be accepted.

Effectiveness of Anti-Bias Training

• Research indicates that anti-bias training does not effectively reduce bias; instead, it may create more chaos in workplaces where relationships are otherwise functioning well.

• A study of 800 companies post-mandatory DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) trainings revealed no increase in diversity hiring and even a 9% decrease in hiring Black women.

• Despite data showing negative outcomes, there seems to be little motivation for change within organizations; the focus appears to be on power dynamics rather than material change.

Cultural Shifts in Academia

• The speaker notes that certain fields, particularly rhetoric and composition within academia, seem to be experiencing a cultural shift favoring these controversial ideas about language and race.

• In contrast, fields grounded in scientific methods appear less affected by these trends due to stronger barriers against irrationality.

Language Education Debate

• A significant point raised is the argument that teaching standard English is viewed as inherently racist towards students of color. This perspective suggests that enforcing one dialect over another perpetuates oppression.

• The speaker recounts their experience challenging this notion on a professional listserv but faced backlash rather than constructive dialogue.

Practicality vs. Ideology

• There’s an emphasis on practicality: learning standard English provides advantages for students navigating academic or professional environments.

• The argument posits that learning multiple dialects enriches communication skills rather than replacing one's native dialect—an essential aspect often overlooked in current discussions about language education.

Understanding Rhetoric and Its Challenges

Definition of Rhetoric

• Rhetoric is defined as the ability to discern available means of persuasion in any social situation, influenced by audience knowledge, desires, and values.

The Practicality of Persuasion

• To effectively persuade an audience, one must adapt to their context; however, discussions around this practicality often overlook the complexities faced by marginalized groups.

Conversations on Race and Academia

• The speaker reflects on a perceived fatigue regarding discussions about race, emphasizing that conversations should never be considered "past" as new voices continually emerge.

Kenneth Burke's Parlor Allegory

• The philosopher Kenneth Burke's allegory illustrates the importance of listening before contributing to a conversation, highlighting the need for understanding in discourse.

Accusations and Identity Politics

• The speaker recounts being labeled racist for advocating teaching standardized English to Black students, suggesting that such accusations stem from deeper insecurities about identity politics.

The Dynamics of Victimhood in Discourse

Perpetuation of Victimhood Narratives

• There is a critique that victimhood narratives are used strategically within academia to gain power rather than foster genuine dialogue or progress.

Critique of Current Academic Trends

• The speaker argues that current academic trends prioritize tearing down existing structures over logical discourse necessary for building solutions.

Idealism vs. Realism in Activism

• A distinction is made between idealistic activism (e.g., changing names or slogans) versus realistic institutional changes needed for true progress.

Racism and Its Evolving Narrative

Shifts in Discussions Around Racism

• The speaker posits that discussions surrounding racism are losing potency due to societal advancements like having a Black president and increasing diversity among immigrant populations.

White Privilege and Accountability

• An assertion is made that white individuals will always carry some level of inherent racism due to systemic structures; this perspective challenges notions of individual accountability.

The State of Rhetoric Studies Today

Concerns Over Field Devolution

• There’s concern expressed about rhetoric studies devolving into "woke studies," which detracts from the field's potential contributions to meaningful discourse on race.

Balancing Race with Rhetorical Studies

• While acknowledging the importance of discussing race within rhetoric, there’s an emphasis on not allowing marginal issues to overshadow core rhetorical principles.

The Perpetuation of Narratives in Education

The Dominant Narrative

• The speaker discusses the perpetuation of a narrative that frames society in terms of oppressor and oppressed, suggesting this perspective is prevalent among undergraduates.

• Many students receive a singular viewpoint from professors or student leaders, who present their perspective as the only valid one, equating dissent with opposition to equality and diversity.

Challenges in Classroom Discussions

• Students asking questions for clarification are often perceived as trying to silence others; this creates an environment where doubt is discouraged.

• A white student expressed discomfort discussing these topics despite assurances of a safe space, highlighting socialization that leads individuals to feel superior based on race.

Addressing Racial Perceptions

• Children as young as three recognize societal preferences for whiteness over blackness, indicating deep-rooted issues that need addressing through education.

• Proposed solutions like restorative justice and equitable math are critiqued for lacking clear connections to the identified problems.

Critique of Educational Reforms

• "Equitable math" suggests teaching methods are inherently racist and promotes grading based on student engagement rather than correct answers.

• Land acknowledgments are criticized as performative acts that do not lead to meaningful restitution or change.

The Religious Nature of Social Justice Activism

• The speaker likens social justice movements to religious rites, referencing John McWhorter's view on "Woke Racism" being akin to a religion.

• There is mention of the Frankfurt School's influence on current social justice ideologies, emphasizing how these ideas have permeated educational settings.

Shifts in Ideological Perspectives

• Confusion created by complex language aims at inclusivity but can alienate those seeking clarity; some individuals genuinely want to promote inclusion while others may not.

• Chris Rufo's initiative in Florida seeks to replace DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) with EMC (Equality, Merit, Colorblindness), which faces criticism yet aligns with traditional values of meritocracy.

Discussion on Meritocracy

• Meritocracy remains essential; discussions should focus on defining what constitutes merit rather than dismissing it entirely.

• The speaker believes there is a potential shift back towards valuing merit-based systems amidst ongoing debates about equity and inclusion.

Concerns About Backlash in Ethnic Studies

The Fear of Overcorrection

• The speaker expresses a significant concern about potential backlash against ethnic studies, fearing that efforts to address issues may lead to the elimination of valuable programs.

• They emphasize the importance of doing things "right" and avoiding extreme measures that could harm educational initiatives.

• Speculation about future trends indicates a hope for proactive measures to prevent negative outcomes in diversity education.

Reflections on Diversity Officer Role

• The speaker shares their experience as a diversity officer, noting feelings of preaching to an unresponsive audience, with attendance dwindling over time.

• They highlight the challenge of engaging individuals from diverse backgrounds effectively, indicating frustration with limited participation.

Rethinking Engagement Strategies

• Acknowledging the ineffectiveness of mandatory events, the speaker advocates for alternative approaches rather than relying solely on a diversity officer's initiatives.

• They propose that open dialogue is a more effective method for fostering understanding and engagement among diverse groups.

Importance of Good Faith Communication

• The speaker stresses resilience in communication, suggesting that entering discussions with goodwill can lead to better outcomes than approaching them defensively.

• Recognizing differing perspectives is crucial; they advocate for patience and understanding when navigating complex conversations around diversity.