Author Dr. Robert Saul

Raising Young Citizens in the Age of Columbine

“Amazing Grace”

By

Let me be upfront and get this out of the way – If you think that DEI is hogwash, I think that you have lost your way.  Now let me explain.

At the Clemson University (South Carolina) graduation this year, a small group of graduates (the ClemsonLIFE program) received special recognition.  The ClemsonLIFE program “offers a collegiate experience that prepares young men and women with intellectual disabilities for competitive employment and independent living through a combination of academic coursework and career exploration.”1  The 15 graduates this year received a targeted curriculum and support for their journey into adulthood.

In a video viewed on national TV and online, one of the ClemsonLIFE graduates bowled over the President of Clemson.2   Grace Clements happened to be the daughter of the President, Jim Clements, and was one of the 15 graduates.  His pride in her accomplishments cannot be overstated.  Their onstage hug and subsequent pratfall just exude the raw enthusiasm and joie de vivre that Grace brings into the life of her family and those that she meets.  The opportunity of the ClemsonLIFE program shows an institutional commitment to those with disabilities that is exemplary.

Did Grace get special treatment due to her disability?  Yes!  Is the ClemsonLIFE program a unique program for teens and young adults with special needs?  Yes!  Are Clemson University and our society in general justified in having such programs?  Yes!

So, let’s look at the unique factors here –

  • Diversity – the existence of intellectual disabilities and physical disabilities cries out for special opportunities that require certain accommodations. Historically, those with disabilities were shunned or left out of activities because special efforts were not made to assist them.  The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 corrected many of those barriers but clearly not enough.3  It is interesting to note that the ADA is a civil rights law.  The ClemsonLIFE program seeks to eliminate barriers for an albeit small group of people who deserve a chance at independent living in a complex society.  Their diversity shines a light on our common humanity and reminds us all of our roles to care for each other.
  • Equity – equity demands the access to resources to allow for attainment of success. Equality means equal treatment but equal treatment for those with ability and those with disability is not equitable.  Folks with disability do not start at the same place as those with ability and therefore need assistance for the journey into adulthood.
  • Inclusion – the beauty of inclusion speaks to our recognition of the worth of all of our fellow citizens, regardless of certain abilities or disabilities. My career in pediatrics and medical genetics has exposed me to children and families with remarkable strength and fortitude, overcoming unbelievable adversity at times.  And I marveled at their wherewithal to integrate (to include) their children into their families and their social interactions.  I learned so much about myself and became a better doctor and a better person from their inclusion into my career and life.

Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives are vital for those with intellectual or physical disabilities.  DEI initiatives are likewise indicated for others afflicted by financial, educational, and systemic racism.4,5  To deny those issues is to deny the reality of history and the reality of today.6,7

Infant mortality is higher for Black infants, and appropriate measures should be addressing this discrepancy.  It is well-known that families are more likely to have better outcomes with doctors of similar ethnicity.  The recruitment and training of more Black physicians (the current percentage is around 5%) is one potential solution but requires a more equitable training pipeline.

Some argue that such a program would defy the “noble” pursuit of meritocracy.  I want to weigh in on the current meritocracy nonsense that is being perpetrated on the American people.  Our current president has stated that all jobs going forward will be based on merit.  Since merit is totally in the eyes of those with power, this concept is total poppycock.  Merit is not based on political party but apparently the current administration thinks so.  So many of the current cabinet nominees are actually meritless for the jobs being considered.  It therefore appears that their merit is based on loyalty (not competence) and a willingness to carry forth an agenda (not serve the American people as a whole).

To argue that DEI programs bring forward meritless individuals because of their participation in such a program is to argue that loyalty and sycophancy (fawning behavior to powerful or rich people) is more qualifying.  Indeed, the contrary is true.  Folks given the opportunity to get a leg up and gain wisdom and knowledge through these various DEI programs (to advance their lives and the lives of similarly affected individuals) are much more competent and trustworthy than those who merely advance because of their station in life and how loyal they will be.  Knowledge and its accompanying wisdom are not gained by fear-based actions to follow a leader but by education, hard work and experience.  That is what DEI is all about.

My mother was all about DEI before we called it DEI.  She recognized the value of all people and the need for fair and equitable interventions to assure their potential success and manifesting their dignity.  The current aversion for DEI is antithetical to a society that professes to adhere to its founding principles and professes to be of faith.

The Clements family affectionately refers to their daughter Grace as “Amazing Grace.”  Their faith shines through with applying the spirit of the hymn Amazing Grace to their daughter.  She lights up their lives and they light up hers.  DEI is not even considered a bad idea – it is part of the fabric of life for citizens that care.

I thank “Amazing Grace” and her family for representing the grace and dignity of all that makes us care for and care about each other.  Diversity, equity and inclusion should be an integral part of our society and of our ethos.  Our common humanity demands it.

  1. https://www.clemson.edu/education/programs/programs/culife/
  2. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/1aakr2DASUE?feature=share
  3. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Americans_with_Disabilities_Act_of_1990
  4. https://mychildrenschildren.com/woke-is-good-not-evil/
  5. https://mychildrenschildren.com/woke-im-in/
  6. https://mychildrenschildren.com/does-racism-still-exist-in-america/
  7. https://mychildrenschildren.com/the-gaps-that-should-be-filled/