background image

Diversity and inclusion 'dictates' have no place in the world's vital industries, let alone when human lives are at stake

author image

By illuminem briefings

· 2 min read


illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on Sky News or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: Douglas MacKinnon criticizes the adoption of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies in critical industries, arguing that prioritizing DEI over merit can jeopardize safety and efficiency
especially in sectors where lives are at stake like medicine, aviation, and engineering

🔭 The context: MacKinnon, with a background as a consultant for NASA and the Space Shuttle team, expresses concern over the potential dangers of allowing identity politics to influence staffing decisions in high-risk industries
• He recounts personal experiences of discrimination and emphasizes the importance of hiring based on qualifications alone

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: The debate around DEI initiatives touches on broader societal and ethical questions regarding the best approach to rectify historical injustices and ensure equality of opportunity
• It raises questions about the balance between diversity and competency, particularly in fields critical to human safety and societal progress

⏭️ What's next: As DEI policies become more embedded in various industries, there's an ongoing need for dialogue and reassessment of how these initiatives are implemented
• MacKinnon's commentary calls for a reassessment of DEI policies, stressing the importance of maintaining high standards of competency, especially in professions that directly impact human lives

💬 One quote: "While in theory, DEI programs might seem like a utopian solution to many activists on the left, in the real world when real lives are at stake, achievement based solely upon merit must still be the only standard in the hiring and promotion process," Douglas MacKinnon writes.

Click for more news covering the latest on diversity & inclusion

Did you enjoy this illuminem voice? Support us by sharing this article!
author photo

About the author

illuminem's editorial team - providing you with concise summaries of the most important sustainability news of the day.

Follow us on Linkedin, Twitter​ & Instagram

Other illuminem Voices


Related Posts


You cannot miss it!

Weekly. Free. Your Top 10 Sustainability & Energy Posts.

You can unsubscribe at any time (read our privacy policy)