Diversity Without Discrimination: Excellence, Equality, and Unity

Any theory, ideology, or policy that judges an individual’s worth, opportunity, or responsibility according to race should have no place in our schools. Every student deserves to be treated with dignity, challenged academically, and provided meaningful opportunities to succeed—without being categorized as an oppressor, victim, privileged, or disadvantaged simply because of skin color or ancestry.

I oppose Critical Race Theory (CRT) and DEI practices that divide students according to race, promote racial preferences, or substitute ideological objectives for academic excellence. While DEI programs are not all identical, many contemporary DEI frameworks draw upon concepts associated with Critical Race Theory, including an emphasis on group identity, systemic power relationships, privilege, oppression, and disparate outcomes. Our classrooms should instead remain focused on educating every student, strengthening academic achievement, developing character, teaching accurate history, and preparing young people to become knowledgeable and responsible citizens.

 

Prior to my tenure on the School Board, decisions were made that brought CRT- and DEI-related concepts and materials into the educational environment. Since joining the Board, I have maintained that taxpayer dollars should not be used to advance programs, professional development, books, materials, or initiatives that divide students by race or promote ideological viewpoints at the expense of academic achievement.

Dr. Carol M. Swain and Christopher J. Schorr examine Critical Race Theory and its influence on American institutions in Black Eye for America. Their work challenges readers to consider the consequences of viewing American society primarily through racial categories, systemic oppression, and competing racial identities.

--- Black Eye for America by Carol M. Swain & Christopher J. Schorr

 

Dr. Swain expands this discussion in her more recent book, Diversity without Discrimination: How to Promote a Culture of Unity in a Post-DEI/Affirmative Action World, co-authored with Mike Towle. Rather than rejecting diversity itself, Swain and Towle distinguish between valuing the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and talents of Americans and using race-conscious policies that may treat individuals differently because of their racial identity. They advocate a model grounded in equal treatment, individual merit, shared citizenship, and national unity—captured in the American principle e pluribus unum: “Out of many, one.”

That distinction is important. We do not have to choose between diversity and equality. We can value both without discrimination. Our schools should welcome every child, recognize the inherent dignity of every student, provide opportunities based upon individual needs and achievement, and unite students around the pursuit of knowledge and excellence rather than separate them according to race or identity.

--- Diversity without Discrimination: How to Promote a Culture of Unity in a Post-DEI/Affirmative Action World by Carol M. Swain & Mike Towle

 

I have done my due diligence on these issues, and I encourage parents, educators, and citizens to do the same. I recommend both Black Eye for America and Diversity without Discrimination because they offer important perspectives for understanding the development of CRT and DEI and, equally important, for considering what should come next.

My position is straightforward: Suffolk Public Schools should pursue excellence without discrimination, opportunity without racial preference, and diversity without division. Every child deserves to be seen first as an individual—with unique abilities, needs, responsibilities, and tremendous potential. Our responsibility is to educate them well, hold high expectations for all, and build a school culture united around academic excellence and the success of every student.