Don Bessey of Old Orchard Beach makes the argument that diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) is integral to the United States (“‘DEI’ is at the heart of the American dream,” June 1).

He writes: “Diversity is … the foundation on which America was built.” However, “diversity” currently means the racial makeup of various groups. It should reflect the makeup of the whole population. For example, in a discussion of elite high schools in New York City, then-Mayor Bill de Blasio stated: “This is a city blessed with such diversity. Our schools, especially our particularly exceptional schools, need to reflect that diversity.”

Bessey writes: “Equity is … a primary principle in both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.” However, the word “equity” does not appear in the Declaration, and appears in the Constitution with a different meaning. Currently, “equity” means equality of outcome, in contrast to equality of opportunity. As Charles Murray points out in “Losing Ground,” the Civil Rights Act of 1964 favored equality of opportunity, while a year later Lyndon Johnson argued for “equality as a fact and equality as a result.” “Equality as a result” is equity.

Bessey writes: “Inclusion of all peoples … even all genders, is what … has made America the most successful and attractive country in the world.” The rule of law and property rights contributed to our being successful, but I rather doubt that the inclusion of all genders had much of an effect.

DEI, then, is not integral to this country. However, my criticism of DEI is not an endorsement of the Trump administration.

William Vaughan Jr.
Chebeague Island