Colorado Matters June 12, 2025: Deconstructing DEI - the future of diversity initiatives in Colorado
Jun 12, 2025
Candace Bailey, a civil rights advocate, joins author Rosalind Wiseman, aspiring documentarian Jevon McKinney, and retired judge Gary Jackson for a critical discussion on the future of diversity initiatives in Colorado. They reflect on the political backlash against DEI programs post-2020 and share personal narratives that underscore the importance of dignity in allyship. The conversation dives into the historical context of these initiatives and calls for youth engagement in pushing for equitable changes across schools and communities.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
DEI as Moral Compass
- DEI is a moral compass rooted in lived experience and history, not just a trendy term.
- It reflects ongoing struggles with systemic oppression and the need for acknowledgment and inclusion.
Judge Jackson's Early DEI Absence
- In 1967, law school classes were overwhelmingly white and male, with near zero representation from minorities.
- Judge Gary Jackson experienced being first black member in many institutions, showing DEI's absence before affirmative actions.
Opponents' Irony in DEI Debate
- Opponents of DEI often benefit from DEI policies but deny their importance.
- Their rhetoric risks repeating historical patterns of exclusion and oppression.
