Meritocracy Faces Threat from DEI, Identity Politics, Author Argues

The United States' foundational achievements in infrastructure, transportation, and finance, built on meritocracy, are potentially threatened by the resurgence of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and identity politics, argues Douglas MacKinnon in a recent opinion piece.

MacKinnon cites observations from a cross-country business trip, highlighting modern marvels like jetliners, trains, bridges, and skyscrapers as testaments to merit-based development. He contends that these advancements were achieved without the influence of DEI or identity politics, and that their inclusion in critical fields could jeopardize safety. "If that person is being inserted into the flight deck of a commercial aircraft; the control tower of an airport; the bridge of a military or commercial ship; behind the wheel of an 18-wheeler; into a police force or fire department; or behind the controls of a major utility simply because of 'identity politics,' then the lives in the hands of those occupations are exposed to much higher risk simply to appease an ideological narrative," MacKinnon writes.

He suggests that DEI initiatives, which he believes were merely placed in "sleeper mode" during the Trump administration, are poised to re-emerge with full force if political control shifts. MacKinnon points to a report from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) as evidence of DEI's potential for harm. The OCC report detailed allegations that some of the nation's largest banks denied services or debanked customers based on their beliefs or affiliations. Comptroller of the Currency Jonathan Gould stated that "Americans should have access to financial services regardless of their beliefs, affiliations, or political views." Senate Banking Committee Chairman Tim Scott, R-S.C., echoed these concerns, telling Fox News Digital that "Debanking Americans over faith or politics is simply un-American."

MacKinnon also criticizes United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby's approach to pilot hiring. Kirby's stated goal to train 5,000 pilots over a decade, with a target of half being women and people of color, is viewed by MacKinnon as an example of prioritizing identity over qualification. MacKinnon proposes a simpler approach: "How about hiring only the most-qualified pilots based entirely upon merit. And if half of them happen to be women and minorities, all the better."

He notes the JPMorgan Chase bank's involvement in supporting United's pilot diversity efforts and suggests this aligns with the bank's alleged participation in the debanking scandal. MacKinnon concludes that while achievements in aviation, finance, and infrastructure are products of meritocracy, a shift towards identity politics could compromise the qualifications of those in critical roles, thereby increasing risks for countless Americans.