I’m a white, Christian Missourian. Jesus wouldn’t approve of Mike Kehoe’s DEI ban | Opinion

Toriano Porter’s thoughtful recent column discussing Gov. Mike Kehoe’s executive order to ban diversity, equity and inclusion programs in the Missouri state government hit home with me.

I was raised in a two-parent, Republican household that practiced the Christian faith in the heart of the Midwest. During my formative years, I accepted my parents’ values and beliefs without question, as most children understandably do. Since reaching adulthood — and as a member of the privileged demographic (although I am a woman) — I have wrestled with the ideas of systemic racism and DEI. I understand that our society as a whole will be enhanced by removing barriers that prevent people who do not look, think or act like me (people of color, the LGBTQIA population and more) but it gets harder to accept that when it becomes personal.

Several years ago, my overachieving, straight, white, cisgender son was rejected by the college of his choice in favor of other candidates who had lower test scores, but were not white. At the time, I was angry and outraged on his behalf, but now, with nearly a decade of additional life experience and perspective, I realize that he still went on to receive an excellent education that laid the foundation for his current graduate studies.

I also realize that both those reactions — my anger and his ability simply to move on to his second-choice university — were even possible only because of systemic racism and white privilege.

In recent years, I have become disturbed by both the GOP and people who claim to be following Jesus Christ’s teachings by eliminating opportunities for others who do not fit into the white, straight, mainstream Protestant, middle-class mold. I am aware of the conservative argument that banning DEI initiatives creates a “framework that ensures fairness, equal opportunity, and merit-based decision-making,” as in Kehoe’s order. I also wholeheartedly disagree with this reasoning because that system already exists — for white people who are straight, mainstream Protestant, middle-class Americans.

Another statement I have often heard in support of doing away with DEI programs is that it would produce a color-blind approach and result in more fairness to all. Here it seems instructive to remember that people who are color-blind can see only a narrow range of colors, or even just various shades of gray. They cannot appreciate the richness and beauty of the full spectrum of visible light because they lack the ability to perceive it.

Porter’s column was accompanied online by a photo of the governor signing the order to ban DEI programs in government, surrounded by four white men and one white woman. As a Christian, I am particularly offended by the prominent display of a cross and a painting of the Virgin Mary, the mother of Christ, on Kehoe’s desk. While I believe that Christian principles to love, respect and value others should guide peoples’ actions, including those who run our government, I do not agree that equating God with the United States is an acceptable way to justify ignoring or perpetuating systemic racism. Even the Founding Fathers (yes, all white men) recognized that separation of church and state is crucial to maintaining religious freedom. That means all religions, even faiths that are not practiced by those in power.

I have observed some folks grandstanding that they are upholding Christian values by putting “America first.” To me, in that context, “America” is being used as code for people who are already in power and do not benefit from things like DEI programs. But Christ did not create the United States. Flawed human beings did, much like the flawed human beings who call this country home. It seems that Christ would likely have included and accepted all of us and instructed each one of us to do the same.

This story was originally published February 26, 2025 at 5:01 AM.