S3E9 The Adversity of Diversity: A Conversation with Carol Swain
Dec 12, 2023
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Dr. Carol Swain, a prominent political and legal scholar, discusses her journey from poverty to success, her book on the Supreme Court's decision on college admissions criteria, and the unintended consequences of affirmative action. She also explores the effectiveness of corporate diversity training and proposes an alternative approach called unity training.
Dr. Carol Swain's remarkable journey from poverty to success demonstrates the power of perseverance and mentorship.
Affirmative action has devolved into a system of lowered standards and reverse discrimination, hindering progress towards true equality.
Deep dives
Dr. Carol Swain's Personal Journey to Success
Dr. Carol Swain shares her remarkable upbringing from poverty in the rural south to becoming a successful political science professor at Princeton University. Despite facing numerous challenges and dropping out of school, she persevered and obtained a high school equivalency degree. Her hard work, determination, and the support of mentors ultimately led her to earning her PhD and securing a position at Princeton, where she excelled and achieved national recognition.
The Benefits and Limitations of Affirmative Action
Dr. Carol Swain discusses her perspective on affirmative action. She explains that she benefited from the outreach and recruitment efforts following the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which provided equal opportunities for individuals of all races to compete. However, she argues that affirmative action has evolved into a system of lowered standards and reverse discrimination. She asserts that true equality can be achieved by treating individuals as uniquely gifted individuals and not focusing solely on racial or ethnic identities.
The Problems with Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Training
Dr. Carol Swain criticizes mandatory diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) training in corporate settings and higher education. She argues that DEI training lowers standards and promotes divisiveness rather than unity. Instead, she suggests that organizations should focus on the civil rights laws and constitutional protections, and leaders should set the tone by promoting free speech, critical reasoning, and treating individuals as equals. Dr. Swain emphasizes that any training should always be voluntary, and cultural change must come from the top leadership of an organization.
Positive Shifts in Cultural Attitudes
Dr. Carol Swain highlights the positive changes she perceives in recent years. She believes that more truth is being revealed about the effectiveness and drawbacks of diversity programs and critical race theory. White individuals and other protected groups are increasingly asserting their civil rights and challenging discrimination. Dr. Swain points out that employers are settling cases and colleges and universities are becoming more open to hosting conservative speakers. Although she sees reasons for optimism, she encourages more faculty members and administrators to stand up and promote change.
Dr. Carol Swain obtained early tenure at Princeton’s Woodrow Wilson School and went on to become a Professor of Political Science and Law at Vanderbilt University. She was a 2004-5 James Madison Program Visiting Fellow and is a member of the James Madison Society. She has authored or edited 11 books, written numerous opinion pieces in publications including the New York Times, Washington Post, and Wall Street Journal, and been cited three times by the U.S. Supreme Court.
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