After the Secret Service fiasco, we all witnessed over the weekend, many people are questioning the women in the Secret Service and the ones running the organization. This may be a good time for us all to ask the question, does DEI set women up to fail?
DEI has become an important component of the Secret Service lately and is now being criticized for that priority.
‘Diversity hire’ Secret Service chief blamed for Trump shooting security failings
What to Know About Women in Secret Service as Critics Blame ‘DEI’ for Trump’s Shooting
I personally love it when women succeed, especially in areas in which they are not generally holding positions. But I have to add that I want women to succeed where they are capable and have the necessary skills to perform their duties.
We wouldn’t imagine expecting the NBA or the professional football team to place women on their teams just to have representation. We all see the absurdity when we look at the physical requirements that men possess. Having alternative women’s sports is one solution instead of putting women in a position where they would either fail or get injured.
If a woman can ever compete in those competitive sports, then that should be available to her. Who wouldn’t love a female Tom Brady on their team? But if you force a woman on the team, and she fails miserably, you’ve instilled negative biases that already exist.
If my house is on fire, I want the best-qualified firefighter to come to save my family and me. If that happens to be a physically fit woman capable of doing what is necessary, that’s great. But I don’t want the bar lowered just so a woman can be included. There could be lives on the line.
There are plenty of critics out there making the case against women serving in the Secret Service. They are making some good points. I would argue that if a woman meets the physical requirements and has the skills necessary, then no one would be questioning their role. They are questioning if DEI set these women in the Secret Service up to fail.
DEI appears to be setting women up to fail. Instead of giving women proper training, ensuring they meet the physical demands, and giving them time to learn each level as they move up the corporate ladder, they are setting them up for failure. This only leads to more negative stereotyping of women.
If you want to help women succeed, then set them up for success. Only hire those who meet strict physical guidelines, give them proper training, and allow them to learn and succeed at every level before promoting them. This makes sense. This will allow women to succeed and reduce the negative stereotyping that comes with these DEI appointments.
