As the General Assembly considers SB 6, HB 9, and other legislation dealing with Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, we urge legislators to take a cautious approach.
We acknowledge, and are glad to see, that SB 6 allows DEI programs to continue in some form. And, we certainly agree that many of the listed “discriminatory concepts” are viewpoints to be rejected.
However, some of our concerns with SB 6 and HB 9 lie with the reality that while it is certainly true that an individual, by virtue of their race or sex, might not have brought about injustices by their own actions, it is also true that those who are in positions of power or who benefit from systemic inequities have a moral responsibility to address injustice. Addressing systemic injustices requires affirmative efforts, not just prohibition of discriminatory activity.
As Pope Francis has said, “The message of peace is not about a negotiated settlement but rather the conviction that the unity brought by the Spirit can harmonize every diversity. It overcomes every conflict by creating a new and promising synthesis. Diversity is a beautiful thing when it can constantly enter into a process of reconciliation and seal a sort of cultural covenant resulting in a ‘reconciled diversity.’ As the bishops of the Congo have put it: ‘Our ethnic diversity is our wealth.… It is only in unity, through conversion of hearts and reconciliation, that we will be able to help our country to develop on all levels.’”
A PDF copy of this statement can be found by clicking here.