Conservative DEI Push Sparks Debate on Qualifications and Political Bias
Johns Hopkins University, concerned about the lack of conservative voices in academia, has partnered with the American Enterprise Institute to promote ideological diversity. This initiative, mirroring similar efforts at other universities, aims to address the underrepresentation of conservatives through various programs including cluster hiring, mentorship, and fellowships. The initiative seeks to broaden the applicant pool and create a more inclusive environment for conservative scholars, thereby enriching the academic discourse and improving public perception of higher education. This approach utilizes strategies similar to those employed in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, but focuses on political viewpoint rather than race or ethnicity. Critics, however, question whether this constitutes affirmative action for conservatives.
John Q. Hosedrinker