To the Editor:

Western Carolina University is only one of many public institutions being infected with the disease of Trumpism. Single-handedly Trump has mandated that diversity can no longer be promoted in hiring, curriculum, and even in student populations.

Teaching the truth is at risk of dying, as well. On top of that, Trump uses monetary threats to enforce his edicts.

As the Trump agenda grinds on, it is imperative that we remember the truth. diversity, equity and inclusion is a good thing, a necessary thing in a democracy. The MAGA mantra of “DEI divides us!” is a Trump-created lie, a fabricated rant to gin up the racist portion of his base. This lie appeals to those who want to believe that white people (men in particular) are somehow being marginalized or treated unfairly.

However, that is not true. White victimhood is simply a reaction or backlash to the promotion of full representation in our government, our public institutions and in our daily lives. After several hundred years, inclusion of everyone has finally become an aspirational goal in America.

But under Trump, this goal is being blotted out. To illustrate, compare photos of Biden’s Joint Chiefs of Staff to Trump’s. You’ll see clearly what this deadly disease can do.

Trump’s buzz word providing cover for racism, sexism or any other phobia is “merit.” Ironically, the mandate for merit-based choices loses all credibility when considering Trump’s hirings and firings. Take, for example, his firing of Carla Hayden, the librarian for the Library of Congress, who happens to be a superbly qualified Black woman. Alongside that, consider some of his cabinet picks, and you’ll notice Trump doesn’t follow his own mandate for merit-based hiring. There’s RFK Jr., now at the helm of national health, who does not have a medical degree in anything. Likewise, Pete Hegseth’s most salient credential for Secretary of Defense is his hosting a weekend Fox News program. Such high level cabinet positions require true expertise, not Trump mouthpieces.

Let’s be clear — DEI initiatives have never promoted hiring women or minorities without the corresponding professional qualifications. Rather, DEI advocates choosing those with the least representation who are also highly credentialed in their fields. Because our country has a long history of White (male) supremacy, DEI seeks to make full representation a reality. In essence, diversity, equity, and inclusion is a goal of democracy, not “radical left ideology.”

So when the disease of Trumpism comes for you and your organization, as it has for Western Carolina University, don’t remain silent. Be vocal about the truth. Actively support what you know is right. Openly claim that diversity, equity, and inclusion is the cornerstone of a representative government.

Curing the sickness of Trumpism will take courage. Your voice and your vote are the only vaccine. You are the cure.

Faye Kennedy,
Whittier