D. E. I.

D. E. I.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion:  A theme that is nor meant to take sides for or against a particular

Social or religious entity.  It is a premise of realizing that there may be some individuals that have been ostracized for any number of reasons.  Here is an opportunity to single out some who fit that description.

A group of young school students gather on the playground as two opposing coaches prepare to choose participants for their team.  Some of them are Irish while a few might be of Italian descent.  As the couches take turns choosing one student at a time when they reach the last few we see that the couple of Italian students are left standing.  None of them had been picked for either team.  The game began and the few that were not chosen can only sit it out wondering why they had not been called to play.  (I wasn’t making a point of mentioning different nationalities, just using them as examples).

Upon further examination all of the students were probably capable of playing the sport but for some reason neither coach chose not to allow certain students to play despite their abilities being just the same as the Irish students.  This is a diverse situation where some people are discounted just because they look different, have a different color of skin, or from where their ancestors were born.  Diversity is a practice of discrimination when those in charge of any institution or social group use to disallow others to be put aside.  Let everyone who is part of any student body or community affair to join in.  We’re all made in the Image of God and therefore the same as human beings.

Continuing with the idea of discrimination in many institutions we must look at the equal consideration of every one who in some manner is part of a group in spite of the individual quality they possess.  Equity is therefore the overlooking of something that those in 

charge may use to make their decision.  If you have ever been on the losing side as mentioned you then will understand what it is to feel put down just because you don't fit the pattern of the coach, teacher, or manager of which you are part of. 

When we dissect the obvious failings that may occur hurting any individual student, family member, or a performer in social or religious activities, you are still one in a million who deserve to be part of some event in life.  The very semblance of being a human person makes you part of the human family and deserve the opportunity to prevail irregardless of any weakness you may have that is less than someone else.  Remember you may not have the voice of Mario Lanza but you could very well fit into a choir that shares your voice with others like yourself.  You may not be a superstar in some sport but to be included as part of a team could make a difference in your life because you are considered to be important to many others because of  your tenacity to join in.

Using the disparity of these identifying letters should not be a condemnation of any agency or individual who seeks to be recognized, but a compliment that he/she is still important in the eyes of God and consequently each of us.  And this is not political but Christian in essence.

Ralph B. Hathaway