If you’ve been following the news this week, Vice President Kamala Harris has been described by some as a “DEI hire”. What does that term mean?

“DEI hire” is a pejorative term that alleges a person of color and/or a woman* was hired, appointed, or nominated not because of their qualifications but because they are not white, and/or not male.

People who use the term “DEI hire” believe a person of color or a woman cannot possibly be the best job applicant, appointee, or candidate. They are somehow “less than”, even when their resume, references, and how they perform during the interview process prove otherwise.

“DEI hire” is a dog whistle. The term is racist. The term is sexist. Period.

How do you respond when you hear someone say, “Oh, they were a DEI hire.” Do you remain silent? Do you speak-up? Do you call people out? Or do you call people into the conversation?

Let’s call people into the conversation right now. What does “DEI hire” mean to you?