Question

Why does Dr. Harper say DEI programs were made more "political" after the murder of George Floyd?


Although many Americans shared that they believed diversity was important, there were concerns that there was too much focus on race


Americans believe DEI programs had no value in schools or the workplace

Answers

GPT-4o mini
Dr. Harper likely refers to the heightened focus and political implications surrounding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs after the murder of George Floyd in 2020 due to increased national awareness and activism regarding racial injustice and systemic inequality. Following this event, many organizations, including educational institutions and workplaces, intensified their commitments to DEI initiatives as a response to public demand for change and accountability.

As a result, DEI programs may have become more "political" in the sense that they were often tied to social movements, policy discussions, and broader cultural debates about race and justice. This shift could lead to polarized opinions about DEI, with some Americans perceiving these efforts as overly focused on race and others viewing them as essential for addressing systemic inequities.

Additionally, while many people recognize the importance of diversity, some may feel that DEI programs place too much emphasis on race to the detriment of other factors, such as socioeconomic status or individual merit. This could contribute to the perception that DEI initiatives lack value in educational and workplace settings.

In summary, Dr. Harper's statement likely reflects the changes in societal attitudes toward DEI programs and the political landscape surrounding them following high-profile incidents of racial violence and the subsequent calls for systemic change.