How Diversity And Inclusion Came Under Attack

Explore the politics of diversity and inclusion

The death of Cambridge professor Jason Arday marks a low point in the culture war surrounding diversity and inclusion policies. In the United States, the Trump administration is rolling back such policies. In the Netherlands, too, major companies are pulling out of events such as the Amsterdam Canal Parade. Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies are under fire from both sides.

Analysing the controversy surrounding DEI

Right-wing thinkers dismiss these efforts as ‘woke’, whilst left-wing critics see them as a corporate checklist that replaces genuine change. How have these principles of diversity become so politicised? The principle of diversity holds that societies, institutions and democracies are strengthened when people from different backgrounds, with different experiences and perspectives, come into contact with one another.

Exploring the role of universities and neoliberalism

This evening, we will examine the role universities have played in shaping ideas and policies on diversity, equality and inclusion. Professor David B. Oppenheimer wrote the book *The Diversity Principle*, in which he describes how diversity has become a fundamental value of higher education over the past two centuries. Its origins lie in Germany, Great Britain and the resistance to South African apartheid. The most controversial applications can be found in North America. He will be in conversation with Dr Ivana Isailović, who is researching how neoliberalism incorporates emancipatory ideas and movements.