Following President Joe Biden's historic decision to suspend his candidacy for a second term in office, he and most of democratic delegates have thrown their support behind Vice President Kamala Harris for the highest office in the land. As "Trumpland" scrambles to respond to this sudden shifting of the state of play, one guaranteed card they will lay down is calling VP Harris a "DEI candidate" to attempt to minimize her legitimacy as well as dog whistle to the standard bearers of the party - Straight White Evangelical Men or (SWEM) that yet another example of the impending demographic watershed against their prominence (and societal dominance) is now the clear and present danger. In this article, we will analyze Vice President Harris's career and record as California State Attorney General, Senator, and Vice President and examine what it means to represent for all Americans as a loud and proud DEI candidate.
In the landscape of American politics, Vice President Kamala Harris stands as a beacon of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Her ascent to one of the highest offices in the land is not just a personal achievement; it symbolizes a shift towards a more inclusive and equitable society. However, this journey is fraught with challenges, especially from groups that seek to define DEI on their own terms, often distorting its true essence. To understand what it means to represent DEI authentically, we must delve into the contrasting visions presented by Kamala Harris and her detractors, particularly the Republican Party and Straight White Evangelical Men (SWEM).
The Essence of DEI
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are not just buzzwords; they are principles that drive societal progress. Diversity speaks to the representation of various demographics, ensuring that different voices and perspectives are heard. Diversity leads to innovation and innovation to societal progress. Equity involves creating fair opportunities for all, acknowledging systemic barriers, and working to remove them. When equity is present everyone knows they have the power to fully participate in society - it's fundamentally about fairness. Inclusion is about fostering environments where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute. Effective inclusion leads to engagement and productivity for everyone.
Kamala Harris embodies these principles through her policies, actions, and personal narrative. As the first female, Black, and South Asian Vice President, her very presence challenges the status quo and signals a broader acceptance of diverse identities in leadership. Her policy focus on criminal justice reform, healthcare equity, and economic empowerment further cements her commitment to these ideals.
Contrasting Visions of DEI
The Republican Party and SWEMs often present a contrasting vision of DEI. For many in these groups, DEI is seen through a lens of resistance, perceived as a threat to traditional power structures. This perspective is evident in the pushback against affirmative action, voting rights expansion, and even the mere discussion of systemic racism.
For these groups, the fear is that DEI initiatives will undermine their position and privilege. They often frame DEI efforts as "reverse discrimination," suggesting that promoting diversity and equity somehow disadvantages straight white men. This narrative not only distorts the true intent of DEI but also stokes division and resentment.
The Republican Party's stance on DEI has often been one of obstruction and dilution. Their Project 2025 plan exemplifies this approach, outlining a vision that directly opposes many DEI initiatives:
Rollback of Affirmative Action: Project 2025 calls for the dismantling of affirmative action programs, arguing that they constitute unfair advantages for minorities at the expense of merit-based success. This position overlooks the systemic inequalities that affirmative action seeks to address and reinforces the status quo.
Voting Rights Restrictions: The plan includes measures to tighten voting regulations, which disproportionately affect minority communities. By advocating for stringent voter ID laws and reducing early voting options, Project 2025 aims to limit the political influence of these communities under the guise of preventing voter fraud.
Opposition to Critical Race Theory (CRT): Project 2025 strongly opposes the teaching of CRT and similar frameworks in schools. By labeling these educational approaches as divisive and un-American, the plan seeks to suppress discussions on systemic racism and historical injustices.
Reduction of Government Diversity Programs: The plan proposes significant cuts to federal diversity programs, including those aimed at increasing minority representation in government and business. This reduction would undermine efforts to create more inclusive workplaces and leadership structures.
Immigration Policy Reforms: Project 2025 advocates for stricter immigration controls and a reduction in pathways to citizenship for undocumented immigrants. These policies would disproportionately affect communities of color and hinder efforts to create a more inclusive society.
Economic Policies Favoring Deregulation: The plan promotes economic deregulation, which often benefits large corporations and the wealthy at the expense of working-class and minority communities. By reducing protections for workers and consumers, Project 2025 would exacerbate existing economic disparities.
The alignment of the Republican Party with SWEM further complicates its relationship with DEI. The SWEM demographic, which forms a significant part of the Republican base, is often resistant to changes that threaten their cultural and economic dominance. This resistance manifests in the promotion of policies and rhetoric that seek to preserve the status quo.
Kamala Harris's DEI Vision
Kamala Harris's approach to DEI is rooted in her lived experience and a genuine commitment to systemic change. She understands that diversity goes beyond mere representation; it involves creating pathways for marginalized groups to thrive. Her advocacy for criminal justice reform, for instance, is not just about reducing incarceration rates; it's about addressing the racial disparities that pervade the system.
Harris's commitment to equity is evident in her policy initiatives aimed at leveling the playing field. From supporting small businesses in underserved communities to advocating for comprehensive immigration reform, her actions demonstrate a holistic understanding of equity. Inclusion, for Harris, means fostering a society where everyone, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to succeed.
VP Harris's public statements on DEI are unambiguous and provide insight into the leader she is today in her current capacity and will be even more of if given the opportunity to serve further by the American people. She has stated that "America's diversity is our promise, not our problem." Regarding equity she claims that "Equity means recognizing that everyone has not started out on the same footing. It’s about giving people the tools they need to compete on a fair and equal basis." She believes that "Inclusion is about creating a society where everyone is welcomed and valued, no matter who they are or where they come from."
She stands for a vision of America "where everyone, regardless of race, gender, or economic background, has the opportunity to thrive and succeed." But in order to achieve this bold vision "our nation was built by people who were willing to fight for equality and justice. We must continue that fight today and every day."
Kamala Harris: Systemic Barrier Buster
Kamala Harris's career is a testament to breaking barriers and shattering glass ceilings. Her journey is marked by a series of historic firsts and significant achievements:
First Woman District Attorney of San Francisco (2004): Kamala Harris became the first woman, the first African American, and the first South Asian to serve as San Francisco's District Attorney. Her tenure was marked by efforts to reform the criminal justice system and introduce initiatives aimed at reducing recidivism.
First Woman Attorney General of California (2010): Harris's election as Attorney General of California was another historic milestone, making her the first woman and the first person of African and South Asian descent to hold the office. During her tenure, she focused on issues such as combating human trafficking, defending marriage equality, and fighting for consumer protections.
First Indian American and Second African American Woman in the U.S. Senate (2016): Elected as a U.S. Senator from California, Harris continued to champion DEI principles on a national stage. She was a vocal advocate for healthcare reform, criminal justice reform, and immigration rights.
First Woman, Black, and South Asian Vice President of the United States (2021): Harris's election as Vice President represents the highest glass ceiling shattered in American politics. Her role signifies a new era of inclusive leadership and provides a powerful role model for future generations.
Each of these milestones is not just a personal achievement for Kamala Harris; they represent noteworthy progress for the country in embracing diversity. Her career trajectory challenges traditional norms and highlights the importance of representation in leadership. By breaking these barriers, Harris has paved the way for others to follow, inspiring countless individuals from marginalized communities to pursue their aspirations.
The 2024 Election: A Historic Nomination
In a historic and unprecedented turn of events, Kamala Harris has already secured the majority of delegates to become the Democratic Party’s nominee for President of the United States in the 2024 election, set to face off against former President Donald Trump in a matter of months. As the Democratic nominee, Harris is positioned to further amplify her DEI vision on an even larger stage. Her candidacy is a testament to the progress the country has made in embracing diversity at the highest levels of government.
As Vice President in Joe Biden's administration, Kamala Harris has achieved several significant accomplishments that underscore her commitment to DEI and her readiness to lead the nation:
COVID-19 Response and Vaccination Campaign: Harris played a crucial role in promoting the nationwide COVID-19 vaccination campaign, particularly focusing on reaching underserved and minority communities to ensure equitable access to vaccines.
Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act: She was instrumental in advocating for the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which aims to address racial and economic disparities by investing in public transit, clean water, and broadband internet access for all Americans.
Maternal Health: Harris has been a strong advocate for addressing the maternal health crisis, particularly among Black women. She spearheaded initiatives aimed at reducing maternal mortality rates and improving health outcomes for mothers and infants.
Voting Rights: Harris has been a vocal champion for voting rights, working to protect and expand access to the ballot box in the face of restrictive voting laws. She has led efforts to support federal legislation that would safeguard voting rights for all Americans.
Climate Change: Harris has supported the administration's climate agenda, focusing on the impacts of climate change on low-income and minority communities. She has emphasized the importance of a just transition to a green economy that benefits all Americans.
Immigration Reform: Harris has advocated for comprehensive immigration reform, including pathways to citizenship for undocumented immigrants and policies that reflect the nation's values of compassion and inclusivity.
Each of these achievements highlights Harris’s ability to address complex issues with a focus on equity and inclusion, reinforcing her vision for a more just and equitable America. Her candidacy challenges the conventional narratives and offers a powerful counterpoint to the often exclusionary and divisive rhetoric from her opposition.
The Road Ahead
The battle for an inclusive and equitable society that embraces diversity in all forms is far from over. As Kamala Harris embarks on this new chapter, her commitment to these principles will be tested like never before. The Republican Party and SWEMs will continue to push back against efforts to create a more equitable and inclusive society. However, the progress made thus far offers hope.
Kamala Harris represents a new paradigm of leadership—one that is inclusive, equitable, and diverse. Her journey is a testament to the power of breaking barriers and challenging norms. As we move forward, it's crucial to support leaders who embody these principles and to remain vigilant against efforts to undermine them. The future of DEI in America depends on our collective commitment to these ideals and our willingness to stand up for what is right.
Kamala Harris's role as "the DEI pick" is not just symbolic; it is a call to action. It is a reminder that true leadership is about embracing diversity, championing equity, and fostering inclusion. It is about creating a society where everyone has a fair shot at success, regardless of their background. And it is about rejecting the narrow definitions of DEI imposed by those who seek to maintain the status quo. The journey ahead is challenging, but with leaders like Kamala Harris, the vision of a more inclusive and equitable America is within reach.
Omar L. Harris is the managing partner at Intent Consulting, a firm dedicated to improving employee experience and organizational performance and author of Leader Board: The DNA of High-Performance Teams; The Servant Leader's Manifesto; Be a J.E.D.I. Leader, Not a Boss: Leadership in the Era of Corporate Social Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion; Leading Change: The 4 Keys; Hire the Right W.H.O.M.: Sourcing the Right Team DNA Every Time; and The J.E.D.I. Leader's Playbook: The Insider's Guide to Eradicating Injustices, Eliminating Inequities, Expanding Diversity, and Enhancing Inclusion available for purchase in ebook, print, and audio on Amazon.com. Please follow him Instagram, Twitter, and/or his website for more information and engagement.
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