OPINION

Radical truth: Stand up for history so it doesn’t repeat itself

Graphic picturing the silhouettes of three people holding hands at its base. The tree has DEI phrases written on it.

By equipping students with education about this country’s history we lead the way for strength and empowerment. Jada Hauser | The Washtenaw Voice

Recent attacks against Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives from the Donald Trump administration have already had a negative effect on our current society. As we reflect on our personal experiences and the impact of DEI, we know that advocacy has always existed and it is important to continue to stand firm in equality now more than ever before.

Knowledge is power

Sasha Hatinger | Staff Writer

As a child, I remember having to say positive affirmations aloud before heading to the bus stop for school. I would proudly recite, “knowledge is power, and we are all powerful.”

I knew that was something I did believe in–the power of knowledge–the one thing that I was taught that could never be taken away from me. I have always, and always will, value education.

Now as an adult with children of my own, I have come to terms with the fact that my children will only learn the truth about our history, Black history in America, through myself and their ancestors, generationally–not through the educational system.

The issue

The lack of a healthy amount of Black history being taught in our school, other than the story of Martin Luther King Jr., has led to the stereotypes running rampant in today’s society. For example, social media has a way of displaying black families without fathers as the only way our families are structured. Because of this, people of other races tend to believe the stereotype when that isn’t the case.

Fishing for strength

Yana McGuire | Staff Writer

All through my childhood, the males in my family of all ages would gather for a fishing trip. I was never allowed to go. They believed that, since I was a girl, I wouldn’t be good at fishing. They would tell me that I should stay home to learn “girl things” with the “women folks.” This led me to believe that the homemaker’s adult life was all there was for me.

It wasn’t until I was in the 6th grade that my teacher, who was passionate about observances, taught me through lessons during the holidays that I could be more… much more! The little girls of today deserve to find their strength, just like I did. The chance of that happening will unfortunately decrease in the upcoming years unless we act now.

What’s the word

Sasha Hatinger & Yana McGuire | Staff Writers

It’s not time to panic–it’s time to take action. The current executive orders placed against DEI initiatives are something to pay attention to, not worry or stress over. Let’s look at the full picture here. DEI was essentially created in 1961 to support and embrace marginalized individuals by providing the foundation for equal and fair rights in all capacities in the workplace.

We would be remiss not to mention that women were not originally included in the first affirmative-action measure–they were not added until 1967. Overlooks of this nature make observances, such as Women’s and Black History Month, so important.

These initiatives brought about necessary change for the better in areas such as incorporating diversified hiring formalities, community collaborations and employee resource groups. The positive results of the DEI initiatives have proven to grant companies better customer satisfaction and retention rates while also fostering a strong sense of belonging, according to Philadelphia Women’s Network Connection.

If you are thinking that the DEI executive order will not affect you or your family, you are sadly mistaken. DEI initiatives not only protect people within different groups of races, it also protects people with different religious practices, disabilities, class, age, gender and sexual orientation. This means the cuts being made will most likely affect someone you know.

In addition, the order will affect women no matter their race. Despite any current or past DEI initiative, women still face barriers and underrepresentation in the workforce, according to a McKinsey study.

The truth hurts

The truth has always been hard to accept. Now is not the time to cast shadows on uncomfortable truths. In shedding light on the harsh realities of the history of Black people and women in the United States, we can then begin to provide the situation with what it needs to outgrow its current limitations and boundaries.

An article published on The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights website explores the truth of the matter further, covering the executive orders against DEI initiatives.

In discussing what the executive orders don’t do, The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights states, “The president’s role is to implement laws; he cannot rewrite them,” according to civilrights.org. The sense of urgency is merely an illusion in terms of what the president is trying to accomplish.

Keep fighting the good fight

Now that we understand the issue, what should we do about it? Participating in marches and physical protests can be a way to take a stand. To do so, Google to find organizations that align with your views the most on the matter.

However, getting involved with social issues publicly can be intimidating. Cancel culture is still a thing, and who wants to deal with that? The good thing is marching in the streets or debating the opposing view is not the only way to take a stand. Simply choosing to spend your hard-earned money with companies that embrace inclusion and boycotting ones that do not is a way to personally protest without the hassle of public opinion.

The more people who commit to this for a long period of time, the more companies will be forced to make a change. For example, the Montgomery Bus Boycott, led by King, lasted for 381 days and was the beginning of real change in the Civil Rights Movement.

Taking action by advocating and by participating in long-term consumer blackouts are avenues to become involved in supporting DEI initiatives. Taking back control over our own reactions emotionally, mentally and physically to the executive orders is powerful.

Convenience is no longer a service we can afford. We are willing to invest in what is convenient for ourselves, however, further examination is required to properly respond to the current executive orders against the DEI initiatives.

We need to act now, if not Black history, along with the history of other marginalized groups in America will forever remain tainted and untold–or worse–be completely erased from history forever, as we know it or care to comprehend.