Recently we celebrated astronauts Barry Wilmore and Suni Williams’ safe return to Earth. Wilmore, a veteran of three spaceflights, has accumulated 464 days in space. Williams, with 608 days in space, has accumulated 62 hours of spacewalks. Will her accomplishments be erased in the president’s effort to eliminate DEI?

DEI means diversity, equity and inclusion, “frameworks that seek to promote the fair treatment and full participation of all people.” Reportedly, thousands of pages honoring contributions by women and minority groups have been removed from websites. History is being erased.

Articles about Code Talkers (Native American service members who used their native language as an indecipherable code to help win World War I and World War II) were removed from websites.

Japanese Americans who served in the U.S. military during WWII, despite facing discrimination and internment, became known for their bravery. “Their losses were so great the whole unit had to be replaced nearly 3.5 times…” (PBS News)

Women’s Airforce Service Pilots (WASPS) flew over 60 million miles, ferrying 50% of the combat aircraft used overseas. They were stationed at military bases, but did not have military status. They were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in 2010.

“DEI” means full representation of our U.S. citizens. Acknowledging contributions and sacrifices made by diverse groups does not diminish the roles of others. Children who see people who look or sound like themselves — dark or light skin, in a wheelchair or standing — can aspire to be an astronaut, scientist, pilot, soldier … or president.

Bonnie Brown
Industry