When grown-ups say, “Don’t play the blame game,” they mean that instead of pointing fingers when something goes wrong, we should focus on understanding the problem and finding real solutions. Yet in the past two months, the DEI blame game has run rampant across America’s leadership. It is insulting, disingenuous, and beyond reproach.
DEI stands for diversity, equity, and inclusion, and it refers to the process of recognizing and accepting difference, and making sure people who have historically been excluded from leadership positions due to difference have fair access. Difference can be age, race, nationality, gender, disability, pregnancy status, and more. DEI has its roots in the Civil Rights Movement. The DEI blame game is Trump’s administration’s way of dismantling work that has been done to promote and protect, among other things, fair hiring processes.
I have watched with growing concern as our leaders have twisted the narrative, scapegoating DEI for tragedies and inefficiencies—from wildfires to plane crashes. I have listened to their absurd claims, and I worry deeply about what this means for my children’s future, for the integrity of our country, and for the power we have seemingly surrendered to a small group that governs through fear and division.
I am a mother, a professional, and a proud American who has built a 25-year career in STEM. I spent two decades serving this country in the federal government, first as an air traffic controller and later in the Department of Defense, where I worked in intelligence to protect our nation. Today, I continue that mission in the private sector, ensuring privacy and security for all citizens.
My career has been one of hard work and perseverance. As a woman in STEM, the path was never easy, but I earned my place at every step. I was not handed opportunities because of DEI policies. No one hired or promoted me simply because I was a woman. Quite the opposite—I had to work twice as hard to prove my worth, demand respect, and establish myself as a subject matter expert in every field I entered.
As an air traffic controller, I underwent years of rigorous training, beginning with a four-year degree, extensive exams, and high-pressure assessments before even being offered a position. Despite already being a certified commercial pilot and having studied air traffic systems, my journey had only just begun. Once hired, I trained for years before earning full certification and working in one of the busiest air traffic control facilities in the world. That hiring process remains unchanged today, ensuring that every air traffic controller in this country is highly trained and highly capable.
The DEI blame game suggests that unqualified minorities are being put into positions they are not qualified for. My lived experience is that DEI may allow added seats at the table, but all seated individuals still have to be successful. I was always just as qualified, if not more qualified than those around me. The DEI blame game exposes the close-minded view that people are less qualified based on gender, race, or any factor.
I left air traffic control at the top of my class, certified in two sectors. My husband remained a controller, while I sought a more flexible career path for our children. I transitioned into defense intelligence, dedicating myself to protecting this country and supporting our military.
Now, I find myself watching the very values I upheld for decades being insulted and diminished. The final straw? Our president—the individual who should provide comfort and leadership in the wake of tragedy—choosing instead to engage in the DEI blame game, using political rants to deflect from real issues.
In the face of a horrific plane crash that claimed 67 lives, instead of offering condolences and support, our leader chose to speak of “low standards,” to target policies, and to attack political rivals. He diminished the dedication of the men and women serving our country—the military, the Federal Aviation Administration, and countless public servants who work tirelessly to keep us safe. He pulled the DEI blame game card and blamed the failure on DEI rather than highlighting short staffing and then only added stress and flagrant cuts to the system..
As families grieve their lost loved ones, our president fostered not unity, but division. He did not console; he defiled the memory of the victims and disrespected those who serve and protect our nation every day.
So, I am here to demand an end to this DEI blame game. It is a manufactured distraction designed to stoke fear, not fix problems. DEI is not the enemy. The enemy is willful ignorance, small-minded leadership, and the relentless push to divide Americans instead of bringing us together.
I spent 25 years in government service, and now everything I hold true and dear is being dismantled. The people I have worked with went through rigorous testing, from mental health evaluations to intelligence and security screenings. The idea that DEI somehow erodes competency is an outright lie.
Enough is enough. It is time for leadership that unites rather than divides. It is time to reject the politics of fear and demand accountability from those who would rather play the DEI blame game than do the hard work of solving real problems and supporting the people who need it most.
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