Villawatkins: Diversity is progress, why does Skillicorn want to go backwards?

I am writing this letter before the April 16 Town Council meeting wherein anti-DEI is on the agenda.

Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) is not political. It is progress. Yet, this is getting politicized in our town by Councilman Allen Skillicorn. For what purpose? The great replacement theory that he mentioned in his radio interview? Diversity is nationwide. We are already diverse. We are already a melting pot. Just walk around our children’s playgrounds and you will see the diversity. Our businesses in town are diverse.

As a proud AAPI, this latest move by Councilman Skillicorn slashes at my core. I have to speak out, again. Equality and inclusion never hurt anyone. We don’t need to divide us further. Diversity is progress. Now, Councilman Skillicorn wants exclusions and exceptions for our town? Is it even enforceable? Legal? Our town is an employer and there are insurance requirements, DEI and EEOC to abide by. We don’t need possible risks and liabilities to drain our town budget.

We all benefit from diversity. Some facts that can easily be researched: Steve Jobs’ biological father is Syrian. Bobby Murphy, a Filipino American, co-founded Snapchat. The CEO of Microchip Technology here in Arizona is Ganesh Moorthy-AAPI. Satya Nadella, Microsoft’s CEO - AAPI. Diosdado Banatao, a Filipino American employed by IBM, developed the first graphical user interface (GUI) that became the first 10-Mbit ethernet.

I would be remiss if I did not mention the majority of AAPI are in the medical field. They were there and sacrificed, even their own lives, during COVID to take care of us. I could go on.

Allen, our town follows state laws and regulations regarding DEI. It is not broken. Don’t break it. Leave it alone. Stand for inclusion. Step aside and let progress move on.

Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at AzOpinions@iniusa.org.