The weakness of so-called leaders

Brute force, whether physical or via executive orders, is always the refuge of the feeble.

This week’s story of the damage being wrought by the new administration arose at the regular meeting of all department chairs at our university. Our science and health departments function in part with research grants from the National Institutes of Health. Federal grant and contract holders are being asked to sign documentation confirming that their organizations do not operate programs designed to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion that “violate federal antidiscrimination laws.” (See the source after the photo for more details.)

In other words, if you want federal money to study cures for disease, or ways to improve the health of children or the elderly, your organization has to cease its efforts to be more diverse, equitable, and inclusive. At our university, research has helped understand the health impacts of pesticides and herbicides used in local agricultural practices on pregnancies and miscarriages - just one of many examples. Our faculty have also used federal grants to support first-generation college students and create more opportunities in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) fields for underrepresented and marginalized communities.

But this administration does not want more educational opportunity or healthier communities and families if it means they cannot restore White male hegemony.

All of this is tied up in legal battles; although, somewhat distressingly, it appears our state-supported universities, including the big research engines, have not yet determined how (or whether) to band together to fight this. But in the long run, the diversification of our country is unstoppable. Any system that seeks to control the many using the illegitimate power of the few will be brittle and prone to collapse. The road will be long and difficult, with so much unnecessary cruelty and loss along the way.

But we know with a deep certainty that humans long for connection, community, and inclusion. We feel it in our bones. We are reminded of the power of this interconnection every time another aspiring dictator throws an executive order at it.

Why else would the party that controls the executive branch, the House and Senate, need to resort to executive orders otherwise? They could make the changes they seek through the constitutional means provided: legislation signed by the president.

The only reason to move via executive order instead is to prove that the executive can do whatever he wants, whenever he wants, however he wants. And that is the posture of an exceptionally weak and fearful so-called leader. Brute force is the refuge of the feeble.

Our strength is growing daily, fed by our radical acceptance of our connection to one another, our love for humanity and the planet, and our compassion for all. These are the tools and powers of the truly strong.

Hang in there, take good care, your strength is needed more than ever.

Information on the new (and probably illegal) restrictions on federal grants:

https://www.callaborlaw.com/entry/new-executive-order-targets-federal-dei-practices