Earlier this year, President Trump announced plans to create a “colour-blind and merit-based society” through an executive order directing the U.S. military, federal agencies, and other public institutions to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
In a new Conversation article, Professor Paula McDonald explains that so-called “merit” often reinforces bias rather than ensuring objectivity and that true fairness means acknowledging inequality, not ignoring it. She argues that merit is not neutral, but shaped by privilege, bias, and outdated norms rather than pure skill or effort.
McDonald outlines the myths surrounding merit and how the “merit mandate” undermines equality.
For further insight as to why organisations need to reimagine merit in ways that support inclusion, rather than working against it, read the full article, Trump says diversity initiatives undermine merit. Decades of research show this is flawed, published April 30th.