When DEI Is Under Attack, So Is Democracy
By Trustee Roberto Rodriguez
Palomar College Governing Board
Across the country, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives are under attack. From the federal government to state legislatures to school boards, efforts meant to broaden opportunity and foster belonging are being dismantled under the banner of “fairness” or “merit.” But these attacks are not just about policy—they’re about power. And they strike at the very foundation of democracy itself.
Democracy is not simply about voting. It’s about building systems where every voice can be heard, and every person has a fair chance to participate and succeed. When we create inclusive institutions—schools, workplaces, governments—we are living out our democratic values. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are the tools we use to get there.
Yet opponents frame DEI as somehow antithetical to merit. This is a false and dangerous dichotomy. True meritocracy rewards ability and effort. But when systemic barriers deny people access to opportunity based on race, gender, income, or ability, “merit” becomes a rigged concept. DEI initiatives help level the playing field so everyone can compete fairly—and so excellence can actually be recognized, not assumed based on privilege.
At Palomar College, we’ve seen firsthand how DEI strengthens our community. Our institution has implemented a comprehensive Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Antiracism (EDIAA) Plan. This includes professional development for staff, equity-focused hiring practices, campus climate assessments, and student support services like the Pride Center and Umoja.
These programs don’t dilute standards—they empower students to meet and exceed them. They help ensure that all students—not just the privileged few—can achieve their goals.
Palomar College is also proud to be federally designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI). Over 50% of our students identify as Hispanic or Latino, and we are committed to ensuring that our services, curriculum, and campus culture reflect and support that reality. DEI isn’t abstract here—it’s how we serve the very students who make up the core of our community. Supporting our Latino/a/x students through culturally responsive pedagogy, targeted resources, and student leadership opportunities isn’t “extra”—it’s essential.
And the results speak for themselves. We’ve seen improvements in retention, transfer, and degree completion among historically underrepresented students. Palomar’s commitment to equity makes it not just a better college, but a more democratic institution—one that reflects and serves the people of North County.
The same cannot be said for efforts to dismantle DEI. These efforts silence voices, restrict opportunity, and preserve systems that advantage a few while excluding many. That is not democracy. That is regression.
Throughout American history, democracy has expanded through inclusion. The abolition of slavery, women’s suffrage, civil rights protections, disability rights—each was a fight to bring more people into the promise of democracy. And each faced resistance from those who feared losing control. Today’s attacks on DEI follow the same pattern.
We should ask: who benefits from weakening DEI? And what kind of democracy do we want?
If we are serious about living in a pluralistic, participatory society, we must recognize DEI as essential—not optional. It is how we ensure that institutions like Palomar College truly serve all students. It is how we build a democracy that is not just for some—but for everyone.
Because when DEI is under attack, so is democracy. And that is a fight we cannot afford to lose.
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Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed on this blog are solely my own and do not reflect the official policy, position, or views of Palomar College, the Palomar College Board, or any other affiliated organization. All content provided is for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as representing the views of Palomar College or its governing board.
