The Trump administration has outlawed affirmative action and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in all federally funded endeavors. The question becomes, where do we go from here? Essentially, how do we, as a nation, get ourselves out of this discriminatory mess?

Fortunately, two very astute professionals have addressed that very issue, and have come up with solutions worthy of review.

Carol Swain and Mike Towle recently published a jointly-written book titled Diversity Without Discrimination. Dr. Swain holds a PhD from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, among other degrees, and Mike Towle is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame and a noted publisher. Their collaboration points us forward with a decisive replacement for diversity and equity training, called “REAL Unity Training Solutions.”

An excerpt from the book worth noticing is Dr. Swain’s comment:

Organizations veering off course, distracted by social agendas, need an off ramp—a way back to their founding purposes, where diversity strengthens rather than divides…. DEI and affirmative action are in their death throes but companies and organizations need assistance for the foreseeable future as they work their way through change.[1] (emphasis mine)

I grew up in the 1950s and 60s American South, and racial segregation was embedded in the culture. It was the law. My position now is that because no such laws are currently on the books, there should be no institutional discrimination toward anybody, reverse or otherwise. Yes, there will be personal instances of discrimination and hatred, but individuals must determine how to handle such instances personally. And there are legal avenues to stand against a company or an organization still holding on to unlawful racial practices. The Trump administration’s battle with Harvard University is an example.

I penned an article a while back titled “The Unusual Making of a Patriot,” which outlines my overall view of being an American of African descent today.[2] That view matches those of the authors of Diversity Without Discrimination, and it is why I so highly recommend their book to all Americans. Especially those of us who sorely need respite from the racial turmoil that the country has endured in the past several decades.

Carol Swain and Mike Towle have done an excellent job of outlining an alternative to the unfair, discriminatory practices of affirmative action and DEI. The “REAL Unity Training Solutions” process provides a roadmap for employers, educators, and all who must deal with diverse individuals in the course of training the next generations of productive Americans.

The very racial hatred aimed at American blacks in my formative years has been turned against whites (primarily white males), under the pretext of balancing the scales. And we can see where that attitude has gotten us—an increase in racial hatred and animus, and a whole lot of disillusioned young people. I extend my sincere thanks to Carol Swain and Mike Towle for their monumental contribution to common sense.

Notes

[1] Carol Swain and Mike Towle, Diversity Without Discrimination, (Be the People Books, 2023, 2025), p. 75

[2] Sylvia Thompson, “The Unusual Making of a Patriot,” https://www.renewamerica.com/columns/sthompson/240110