A letter from our dei department

Published June 7th, 2024

By Keaton Smith, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

As many know, and many more have experienced firsthand, the world remains filled with hierarchies and inequality. The failures of the past that have generated harm for vast amounts of people created a divide that has yet to be mended. We live in a world where minorities have (and continue to be) treated as second-class citizens compared to the groups in power. Regardless of how hard someone may work, and how selfless the individual may be, life has been much harder and continues to be so for minorities. In the United States in particular we have inherited the legal apparatus of past failures and flawed solutions. We cannot pretend that our system is functioning if people are unhoused and unable to obtain medical treatment, education, or even the most basic needs such as food and water. Our country sits on a vast amount of wealth and resources, but we have failed to adequately distribute them ethically. The reality of the situation is that a person’s value is determined based on their socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexuality, and other identity factors. Such a reality is a far cry from the idyllic standard that is equality.

To achieve an egalitarian society, a great deal of work must be done by all to rebuild our own biases and our systematic failures. College Democrats of Indiana (CDIN) seeks to contribute to the long journey towards equality via our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (D.E.I.) Department. D.E.I. embodies egalitarian values and our hope to build a better and equal future for all. A reality devoid of prejudice and inequality of sorts is the end goal. As we approach with anticipation for Pride Month and Juneteenth we must not only reflect upon our reality but also take action. Let us reflect upon the abuse faced by LGBTQ+ people, Black people, and minorities at large to use seeds of compassion. We must recognize the intrinsic dignity of every individual regardless of their sexuality, race, gender, ethnicity, religion, socioeconomic status, and other identity factors. To better our reality we must all stand together as we learn to recognize each other as human.