National Science Foundation (NSF) had offered $1.5 million to address structural vulnerabilities in Python and the Python Package Index (PyPI), but the Foundation quickly became dispirited with the terms of the grant it would have to follow.
“These terms included affirming the statement that we ‘do not, and will not during the term of this financial assistance award, operate any programs that advance or promote DEI [diversity, equity, and inclusion], or discriminatory equity ideology in violation of Federal anti-discrimination laws,’” Crary noted. “This restriction would apply not only to the security work directly funded by the grant, but to any and all activity of the PSF as a whole.”
Social studies are about worth as much as the paper they’re written on. 60 years ago studies said black people were inferior. In 60 years it’ll be something else. They always match the era they were made in.
The only true solution to inequality is actual action against the cause of inequality, not some feelgood quarterly corporate email asking employees to not be openly racist at work.
You call it a band aid but its more of a hammer. There are numerous systemic issues these policies force society to confront head-on and in meaningful ways.
Calling DEI racism is just a conservative dog whistle for “owie my privilege hurts” and ignores the other forms of discrimination DEI challenges head on.
In a perfect world, you are right - equality. But our world is far from perfect.
I guess we fundamentally disagree on the effectiveness of DEI policies at the workplace.