What is D-E-I anyway?

Recently, there has been much discussion about three letters — D-E-I — that have sparked controversy from all sides. As president of New Mexico Tech (NMT), I can attest that my office has received numerous inquiries: Some claim we have “too much” D-E-I, while others argue that we don’t have enough. This push and pull reminds me of a rock band’s obsession with increasing volume instead of refining its sound. The demand for “more” or “less” of something without truly understanding it can lead to an unproductive debate and shortsighted results.

Some in the “less” camp argue that NMT should operate based on merit only, implying that diversity efforts compromise meritocracy. New Mexico Tech admits all qualified applicants. No one is given preference over another for any reason other than their academic credentials. Our admissions, retention and graduation processes are firmly based on merit. However, access to resources, mentorship and opportunities varies widely among students. Equity efforts at NMT address these disparities while maintaining the highest academic standards.

I have not yet spelled out D-E-I or written it in its more common form, DEI as the overuse of acronyms often strips terms of their nuance. Over time, what’s behind acronyms evolves while the shorthand remains unchanged. Even the chronological order of the DEI acronym is an assumption. The term DEI, which stands for diversity, equity and inclusion, has become a catchall, sometimes oversimplified or misinterpreted. Much like the FBI, which originally investigated crimes but has since expanded in scope (now including counterintelligence), DEI has grown beyond its origins in civil rights and affirmative action. Today, it represents a nuanced philosophy about how institutions foster diverse perspectives, equitable opportunities and inclusive environments.

Imagine if NMT only admitted 18-year-old men studying electrical engineering. Most would immediately ask, “What about women?” It’s not the 19th century, so expanding opportunities to women would seem obvious. But why stop there? Shouldn’t we also include students pursuing civil engineering, physics or biology? The moment we move beyond a purely homogeneous environment, we embrace diversity. The question isn’t about “more” or “less” diversity; it’s about whether we value a broad and dynamic academic community at all.

I argue for diversity because different perspectives, approaches, cultures and ideas make NMT a stronger and better place to work and study. The benefits of diversity are well-documented, showing that diverse teams produce more innovative solutions in science and engineering and even in seemingly unrelated fields, such as professional soccer teams, where diverse rosters often lead to stronger performance.

At NMT, inclusion means actively creating an environment where all individuals feel welcomed, valued and empowered to contribute. Our mentorship programs connect students with faculty and staff for guidance and support. Our student organizations, such as the Society of Women Engineers and the American Indian Science and Engineering Society, foster a sense of belonging for our students. Exclusion is a defining characteristic of societies where certain groups are denied opportunities. At New Mexico Tech, no single group is “better” or “preferred.” We all contribute to the best of our abilities within the scope of our responsibilities.

There is a misconception that equity means lowering standards or giving unearned advantages. At NMT, equity means ensuring that all students have access to resources they need to succeed, such as tutoring programs, mentorship opportunities, and support systems. Equity does not mean making one group “more equal” than others or redistributing success unfairly. It is about identifying barriers so that all individuals, regardless of background, have the opportunity to thrive. For example, research has shown that first-generation college students often struggle with retention and graduation rates — not due to lack of ability but because they lack access to information, networks and financial resources.

Addressing these disparities ensures that talented students and employees succeed, regardless of their starting point. Equity means removing barriers that hinder potential, providing opportunities based on need and upholding academic excellence without compromising merit. Our commitment to equity strengthens our institution so that all individuals can thrive based on their abilities and efforts.

As a first-generation college student, I could have benefited from more guidance on navigating university life if this concept had been more pronounced — something my daughters did not need. Each of us requires different types of support, and our role as educators and leaders is to reduce barriers where we can. DEI at NMT is about smoothing the road for all students, not taking from one group to give to another, and not lowering standards or compromising excellence.

This is why New Mexico Tech includes DEI in its strategic plan. DEI does not define who we are. DEI is not an agenda. Rather, it reflects our values of ethics, respect and good citizenship. Our focus remains on making an exceptional campus even better, ensuring our students, faculty and staff come from diverse backgrounds, have pathways to success and feel a deep sense of belonging. We will continue to uphold these principles, not as a political statement but as a commitment to the excellence and integrity that define New Mexico Tech. When we embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion, we are investing in the future of innovation, science, and education.