NIC: DEI is a useful policy

Brent Regan’s Sept. 19 opinion column claimed DEI will destroy NIC. He insists competency and being the best are the foundation to all success. He claims DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) undermines competency, and if NIC is devoted to DEI, NIC won’t be successful. The KCRCC NIC Trustee candidates will save NIC by killing DEI.

How do people acquire competency? Typically it comes from gaining knowledge and skills through forms of education. People with common advantage have ready access to such opportunities, but the disadvantaged face many obstacles; like a history of poverty and race, or random disabilities, or sexist treatment, or insufficient language skills, or religious discrimination, or ageism. Generations have fought for the equality of those faced with such disadvantages.

DEI is part of an effort in higher education to help students overcome obstacles and achieve the same success the advantaged students experience. Some of those efforts are in compliance with federal laws. It is also apparent that diversity in student populations enhances the learning environment for everyone. Those opposing DEI dislike giving advantages to students who struggle most to gain competence. They like that the tradition of advantage is rewarded with unhindered paths to competence and success so they can maintain control of the wealth and power. If the disadvantaged have far fewer opportunities or have to work twice as hard, that’s their problem.

To save NIC, be sure to support NIC trustee candidates who understand the value of DEI in higher education and approve services that help assure student success for all. The candidates recommended by Brent Regan and his KCRCC do not fit this criteria.

GARY COFFMAN

Coeur d’Alene