We just talked live with legal scholars and authors Kenji Yoshino and David Glasgow about their new book, How Equality Wins: A New Vision for an Inclusive America, and how to reimagine diversity, equity, and inclusion — yes, DEI — right now, and for a post-Trump world. Yoshino and Glasgow reminded us that while our moment is a stress test for the rule of law, this isn’t the first time people have had to fight for democratic values as a white, male, propertied class tried desperately to hoard power for itself — and Americans shouldn’t be afraid to argue for DEI today. They also talked to us about:
How communities and organizations can make progress on diversity, even under the second Trump administration
Why DEI isn’t at odds with merit — and why merit is the idea that needs rethinking
The mistakes of the left that invited attacks on DEI — and how to reform diversity programs to get beyond them
How the Epstein files can inspire new efforts to push for real equity
What you can do now to work for diversity right now, wherever you live and work
For some hopeful thinking on getting beyond cynicism and practical ideas on fighting for a more diverse and inclusive America, just click on the video player above.
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How to participate in the Book Club
Each week, we’ll post questions — our discussion guide — on Sunday, and on alternate Wednesdays we’ll meet for a discussion with the Club or a visit from an author or other special guest (occasionally we’ll schedule on alternate days or times, but we will let you know). Look out for posts with further details.
The Book Club will meet next to discuss George Saunders’s Vigil on Wednesday, February 18, at 12:30 p.m. Eastern, then again on Wednesday, February 25, at 1:30 p.m. Eastern (one hour later than usual), for a special author talk with George Saunders.
To participate in our meetings and author talks on Substack Live, join from your phone or tablet with the Substack app. You can also watch from your computer at The Ink, and comment and ask questions in our chat, but you won’t be able to join the live video discussion. Make sure you enable notifications, and when our meetings begin, you should receive an email alert; if you can’t find the message, just check the notifications tab (the small bell-shaped icon to the upper right of the website or lower right of the app at the time of the event to find a link.
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