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Contributed commentary by Dr. Dametraus L. Jaggers.
I have been a minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ for nearly 16 years. I accepted my calling during my senior year in college and preached my first sermon on March 1, 2009, during the first semester of graduate school. Since then, I have served in Christian churches, colleges, and organizations across multiple regions of this country and with diverse denominations. I’ve preached at homeless shelters. I’ve journeyed with high school students in large urban cities as they’ve explored the intersection of their faith and justice. I have walked alongside young adults as they navigate faith and ask hard questions. I have led men’s groups and marriage small groups. Drawing from these diverse faith experiences, I write to express my opposition to Tennessee House Bill 0622, also known as the “Dismantle DEI Act.”
The bill was introduced by a local CMCSS District 7 School Board member and District 68 state Rep. Aron Maberry. This bill seeks to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in local government and public institutions under the fabricated claim that hiring decisions are being made solely based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or disability. As a person of faith, I believe we are called to stand for truth and justice, and this legislation is neither truthful nor just.
We must contend for what is right, as the book of Jude urges us: “I found it necessary to write, appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 1:3). Faith in Jesus calls us to collectively reject hypocrisy and injustice. The idea that DEI initiatives result in hiring decisions based only on identity distorts the truth. DEI programs ensure that all qualified individuals – regardless of background – have a fair opportunity to succeed in the hiring process. These initiatives do not promote exclusion; they work to remove historical barriers that have unfairly limited opportunities for many.
The Bible teaches us that all people are created in God’s image (Genesis 1:27), and we are called to reflect that belief in how we treat one another. Jesus himself modeled a ministry of inclusion, welcoming those whom society often overlooked. The vision of God’s kingdom in Revelation 7:9 is one of diversity and unity, where “a great multitude … from every nation, tribe, people and language” stands together. If God values diversity, why would we seek to dismantle efforts that promote it?
Furthermore, the command to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:31) reminds us that advocating for equity and inclusion is a moral imperative. Micah 6:8 calls us to “act justly and to love mercy,” reinforcing our duty to support policies that uplift and empower all individuals, not just a privileged few. It is deeply hypocritical that many who support HB 0622 and other legislation like it also participate in mission work and outreach programs that serve people across economic and cultural backgrounds. …
Those who oppose DEI argue that hiring and admissions should be based purely on merit. The truth is, they already are. DEI efforts do not mean hiring unqualified individuals – they ensure that everyone, regardless of race or background, has a fair chance. The claim that DEI forces hiring based on identity rather than ability is a misleading narrative designed to roll back progress and maintain inequities that have long existed.
Beyond the theological and biblical case for DEI, decades of research demonstrate that DEI leads to stronger organizations (public and private), fairer work environments, and better business outcomes. DEI advances merit it does not limit it. Here is what some of the data says:
- Companies with diverse teams are 35% more likely to outperform their less diverse competition (McKinsey & Company)
- Businesses with diverse teams make better decisions 87% of the time and earn more money from new ideas (Cloverpop)
- 76% of job seekers say they look at an organization’s diversity when deciding whether to apply (Glassdoor)
- Organizations that prioritize diversity have bigger applicant pools and better talent to choose from when making hiring decisions (McKinsey & Company)
- DEI efforts help reduce unfair bias in hiring and assures that the most qualified candidate is hired based on their credentials and skills (MoreThanNow, Exeter University & Harvard Kennedy School)
- Employees who work in diverse workplaces feel more included and have higher job satisfaction and lower turnover (Deloitte)
DEI efforts are not just moral, they’re not just good for business; they are also Biblical. I call on people of faith to reject policies like HB 0622 that misrepresent the purpose of DEI and threaten to undo efforts toward justice and inclusion. We cannot preach about loving our neighbors while supporting legislation that creates barriers for them. We must contend for the faith (Jude 1:3) by opposing false narratives and standing for truth, fairness, and opportunity for all.
Dametraus L. Jaggers