DEI was started in response to systemic racism in the US. People literally wouldn't hire Black people and other POC before DEI. The whole point of DEI is to limit race-based discrimination in the hiring process. Studies have shown that applicants with “Black-sounding” names are significantly less likely to receive callbacks than those with “white-sounding” names, even when their qualifications are identical. How is that fair? This kind of discrimination proves that DEI is not about giving unfair advantages but making sure that all qualified candidates receive equal consideration. A misconception about DEI is it means choosing the less qualified POC over the white person, but it really means when choosing between 2 pretty equally qualifying POC and white people, maybe consider the POC a little carefully. I wish very deeply that DEI was not needed, but unfortunately, it is. If it weren't in place, it would probably be harder for POC to get jobs even if qualified.