THE BEST THING FOR THE DIVERSITY WEENIES TO DO MIGHT BE TO SHUT UP.

Inside Higher Ed contributor Matthew J. Mayhew, a professor of educational administration (is anybody surprised) suggests the only thing worse than being suppressed by the Diversity Weenies is not having Diversity Weenies to do the suppressing.  "Evangelical Christian students are among those harmed by attacks on diversity, equity and inclusion offices."

No, seriously.

In the research of which I have been a part for more than 20 years, it is clear that evangelical students at public institutions feel routinely scrutinized if not dismissed for their beliefs. This form of silencing is not the same marginalization that occurs for racially and religiously minoritized students. Across the United States, for example, Muslim students are forced to pray in stairwells on campuses because dedicated spaces have not been made available to them or are not located near enough to their classes.

Even so, evangelicals often feel as though their voices are compromised in the academy—that bringing up their religious point of view will lead to them being labeled as anti-intellectual, noncritical, overly biased and even stupid. Add to that the complications evangelicals have with initiating friendships on campus, with many nonevangelicals questioning the evangelicals’ intentions with sharing their stories: Are you interested in a genuine friendship with me or are you trying to coerce or convert me?

Of course, these experiences must be understood in light of the national conversation about Christianity and its influence in society and the academy. How does Christianity privilege evangelical students in the academy? Beyond academic calendars based on Christian holidays or buildings that resemble churches sprinkled throughout college campuses, Christianity often has been and continues to be used as a means for oppressing students who identify as non-Christian, making them feel like they don’t belong on campus.

Ist's nicht ein Haufen Mist?  You say, "As a Moslem ..." and the Diversity Weenies will move heaven and earth to accommodate you, or progressive-stack your position in discussion, or equip campus restrooms with foot baths, or otherwise take steps to not give offense.  You say "As a Christian ..." and the weight of Privilege Shaming, as summarized in that second paragraph, might land upon you.

Why, Professor Mayhew, is the "trying to coerce or convert" troubling in an encounter with a Christian, but not with a socialist or a vegetarian or a Moslem?

He continues,

Given these complexities, is it any wonder why we need offices of diversity, equity and inclusion on college campuses? In my research experiences with these offices, I’ve found that many DEI experts help evangelicals express themselves authentically, even as they hold privileges and unearned influence in society. Although helping evangelical students should and may not be the primary focus of their work, these experts also equip all students—and often educators—with the skills needed to communicate effectively across differences.

Don't you love that "privileges and unearned influence?"

Turf the Diversity Weenies out.