At MIT debate, DEI defenders concede diversity policies can make ‘things worse’

The resolution “Academic DEI problems should be abolished” drew a large crowd to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology on Tuesday evening as four scholars debated the hot-button issue in front of nearly 300 people.

Despite disagreement on the fundamental value of DEI, both sides agreed on the flawed or misguided nature of many diversity programs.

Pamela “Denise” Long, CEO of DEI consulting organization YouthCentrix, defended preferential treatment for American descendants of slaves but said DEI has in some ways been hijacked by activists representing other interests.