Harvard, DEI and the Politics of Mediocrity - A Critique

The Harvard DEI Scandal

A brief summary of the scandal involving Harvard president Claudine Gay and DEI:

• Claudine Gay is the president of Harvard University since July 2022. She is also a professor of government and African and African American studies1.
• Gay has been accused of plagiarism in her doctoral dissertation and several academic papers, which allegedly violate Harvard's academic integrity policy2 3. Some scholars have called for an investigation into her academic work4.
• Gay has also faced criticism for her testimony at a congressional hearing on campus antisemitism on Dec. 5, 2023, where she failed to unequivocally affirm that calls for Jewish genocide violate Harvard's code of conduct. Some Jewish alumni and members of Congress have called for her resignation.
• Billionaire hedge fund manager Bill Ackman, a Harvard alumnus, has claimed that Gay was hired as president based on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) criteria, rather than merit, and that her failures have led to billions of dollars of lost donations to the university.
• Harvard's key oversight board, the Fellows of Harvard College, has issued a statement of unanimous support for Gay, saying that they have confidence in her leadership and that they will address the issues raised by the controversy.

1: Billionaire confirms Harvard president was DEI hire as dozens more plagiarism accusations emerge | The College Fix 2: Harvard President Plagiarized Dissertation, Journal Articles, Scholars Say 3: Billionaire Bill Ackman claims Harvard president was hired because of DEI initiative 4: Legal scholar livid over Harvard president allegedly plagiarizing her work: 'Morally bankrupt' : Here’s what to know about the controversy surrounding Harvard University president Claudine Gay : Harvard President Faces Calls to Resign After Antisemitism Hearing : Harvard Alumni Call for President's Resignation Over Antisemitism : 71 Members of Congress Call for Resignation of Harvard, MIT, UPenn Presidents : Billionaire Bill Ackman claims Harvard president was hired because of DEI initiative : Billionaire confirms Harvard president was DEI hire as dozens more plagiarism accusations emerge | The College Fix : Harvard board backs president amid plagiarism, antisemitism allegations

Source(s)

1. Billionaire confirms Harvard president was DEI hire as dozens more ...

2. Here’s what to know about the controversy surrounding Harvard ... - MSN

3. Billionaire Bill Ackman claims Harvard president was hired because of ...

4. Legal scholar livid over Harvard president allegedly ... - WSET

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The Premise of Individualism vs. The Collective

Objectivism, the philosophical system developed by novelist-philosopher Ayn Rand, asserts the individual as the moral and political primary. This stands in stark contrast to the collectivist focus of the DEI movement. Ayn Rand wrote, "Individual rights are not subject to a public vote; a majority has no right to vote away the rights of a minority" ("The Objectivist Newsletter"). This reflects the conflict between individualism and collectivism inherent in DEI.

Individualism as the Core of Human Value

In "The Fountainhead," Rand wrote through her character Howard Roark, "The 'I' stands for the ego, the self, the individual. It is the declaration of the single most important principle of human existence: individualism" (Ayn Rand, "The Fountainhead"). This encapsulates the essence of her philosophy where the individual is the central unit of society, not the collective group. DEI, with its emphasis on group identity, diverges from this principle, treating individuals as mere representatives of groups rather than as sovereign entities.

The Fallacy of Collective Identity

In "Atlas Shrugged", Rand argued against the collectivist notion, stating, "Do not ever say that the desire to 'do good' by force is a good motive. Neither power-lust nor stupidity are good motives" (Ayn Rand, "Atlas Shrugged"). This critique applies to the DEI movement's tendency to impose collective identities and solutions, often through enforced policies or social pressures. The danger, as I see it, is in subsuming the individual under the guise of the 'greater good' of the group, which can lead to the erosion of personal freedoms and rights.

The Sovereignty of the Individual

Rand’s essay "The Objectivist Ethics" in "The Virtue of Selfishness" states, "The man who does not value himself, cannot value anything or anyone" (Ayn Rand, "The Virtue of Selfishness"). This highlights the importance of self-esteem and individual worth, concepts that are diluted when identity is primarily seen through the lens of group affiliation, as often emphasized in DEI initiatives. By focusing on collective characteristics, such as race or gender, DEI undermines the individual's unique identity and worth.

From an Objectivist viewpoint, the DEI movement's focus on collective identities conflicts with the fundamental value of individualism. The elevation of the group over the individual, as seen in many DEI practices, is antithetical to the principles Rand advocated, where individual rights, freedoms, and values are paramount.

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Meritocracy vs. Equity?

Individual merit and ability are the keystones of Objectivism. In "Capitalism: The Unknown Ideal", Rand observes, "The man who produces while others dispose of his product is a slave." This counters the DEI movement's push for equity, which often seeks equal outcomes irrespective of individual effort or capability.

The Virtue of Merit and Achievement

In "Atlas Shrugged", Rand delineate the importance of merit through the character of John Galt: "Achievement of your happiness is the only moral purpose of your life, and that happiness, not pain or mindless self-indulgence, is the proof of your moral integrity" (Ayn Rand, "Atlas Shrugged"). This underscores the Objectivist ideal that personal achievement and happiness are moral ends in themselves, achieved through one's own efforts and abilities. DEI initiatives, which advocate for equal outcomes regardless of individual effort or ability, conflict with this principle.

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The Problem with Imposed Equity

In "The Fountainhead", Rand critiques the notion of enforced equality through Ellsworth Toohey, a character who represents the antithesis of Objectivist ideals: "Don’t set out to raze all shrines – you’ll frighten men. Enshrine mediocrity – and the shrines are razed" (Ayn Rand, "The Fountainhead"). This metaphorically captures the danger of prioritizing equity over merit. It suggests that enforcing equity can lead to a culture that values mediocrity over excellence, undermining the incentives for individual achievement and innovation.

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The Ethics of Self-Interest and Productivity

In her essay "The Objectivist Ethics", Rand asserted, "Productive achievement is a consequence and an expression of health and self-esteem" (Ayn Rand, "The Virtue of Selfishness"). From this perspective, DEI's focus on equity over individual merit can be seen as detrimental to the individual's self-esteem and productivity. By emphasizing group-based equity, there is a risk of neglecting the value of personal achievement and the role it plays in an individual's self-concept and life satisfaction.

The DEI movement's emphasis on equity, as opposed to equality of opportunity, stands in direct opposition to the Objectivist celebration of individual merit, achievement, and self-interest. The pursuit of equity, when it undermines meritocracy, can discourage personal excellence and innovation, which are core to Objectivist philosophy and essential for a thriving society.

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Rational Self-Interest and Altruism

Objectivism champions rational self-interest. Rand eloquently argues in "Philosophy: Who Needs It", "The purpose of morality is to teach you, not to suffer and die, but to enjoy yourself and live." This stands in stark contrast to the altruistic underpinnings of DEI, which require self-sacrifice for the sake of group interests.

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The Morality of Self-Interest

In "The Fountainhead", Rand explores the moral imperative of self-interest through my protagonist, Howard Roark: “I recognize no obligations toward men except one: to respect their freedom and to take no part in a slave society” (Ayn Rand, "The Fountainhead"). This highlights the Objectivist belief in the sanctity of individual freedom and the rejection of sacrificing one's own interests for the sake of others. DEI programs, which promotes the prioritization of group needs over individual preferences, can be seen as a form of the altruism Rand consistently argued against.

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Altruism as a Detriment to Individual Rights

In "Atlas Shrugged", Rand presents a critical view of altruism through the character of Hank Rearden, who realizes the destructive nature of self-sacrifice: “I swear by my life and my love of it that I will never live for the sake of another man, nor ask another man to live for mine” (Ayn Rand, "Atlas Shrugged"). This oath encapsulates the Objectivist ethos of living for one’s own sake and not at the expense of others. DEI's focus on group needs can be interpreted as asking individuals to live for the sake of the group, which fundamentally opposes the Objectivist principle of rational self-interest.

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The Illusion of Altruistic Policies?

In her essay "The Virtue of Selfishness", Rand discusses the pitfalls of altruism in social policy: “The basic principle of altruism is that man has no right to exist for his own sake, that service to others is the only justification of his existence, and that self-sacrifice is his highest moral duty, virtue, and value” (Ayn Rand, "The Virtue of Selfishness"). This critique is particularly relevant to DEI policies that may require individuals to act against their own interests for the benefit of certain groups, thereby undermining the Objectivist view of self-interest as a moral imperative.

From an Objectivist standpoint, the DEI movement’s emphasis on altruism and group prioritization contradicts the principle of rational self-interest. The requirement to prioritize the needs or interests of certain groups over one's own rational choices is seen as an infringement on individual rights and a departure from the moral ideal of living for one's own sake.

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Freedom of Expression?

The freedom of expression is paramount in Objectivist philosophy. From "The Virtue of Selfishness", Rand asserts: "The freedom of speech is the freedom of thought and of rational judgment." This principle often finds itself in tension with the DEI movement, which seeks to impose restrictive guidelines on language and behavior.

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The Paramount Importance of Free Speech

In "The Fountainhead", the character of Howard Roark embodies the spirit of unfettered expression: “But the mind is an attribute of the individual. There is no such thing as a collective brain. There is no such thing as a collective thought” (Ayn Rand, "The Fountainhead"). This underscores Rand’s belief in the sanctity of individual thought and expression. DEI initiatives, which imposes guidelines on language and behavior in the pursuit of inclusivity, can be seen as inhibiting this individual freedom, essential for creativity and innovation.

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The Danger of Suppressing Ideas?

In "Atlas Shrugged", Rand elaborates on the dangers of suppressing ideas: “We are on strike against the creed that regards man as a sacrificial animal. We are on strike against the doctrine that life is guilt” (Ayn Rand, "Atlas Shrugged"). This strike against intellectual conformity resonates with the Objectivist criticism of any movement that seeks to limit speech or thought in the name of a collective good. The DEI movement's potential for enforcing ideological conformity could be viewed as a threat to the individual's right to think and speak freely.

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The Value of Intellectual Independence

In "For the New Intellectual", Rand emphasizes intellectual independence: “To think, means to question, to find one’s own answers and to stand by them as by one’s life” (Ayn Rand, "For the New Intellectual"). This highlights the Objectivist view that freedom of thought and speech is not just a political right but a fundamental aspect of human existence. DEI programs, particularly those that advocate for strict speech codes, infringe upon this fundamental human need for intellectual autonomy.

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From an Objectivist viewpoint, the freedom of thought and expression is non-negotiable. Any approach that limits free expression is seen as anathema to the flourishing of the individual and, by extension, society. The suppression of ideas, even in the name of inclusivity, is contrary to the fundamental Objectivist principle of individual autonomy and intellectual freedom.

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Conclusion

The principles of Objectivism offer a stark contrast to the values and approaches advocated by the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion movement. While DEI initiatives seek to address societal inequalities through a focus on group identities and outcomes, Objectivism emphasizes the primacy of the individual, meritocracy, rational self-interest, and freedom of expression.

?Ayn Rand, in her unwavering commitment to individual rights and liberties, would likely view the collective focus of DEI as a detour from the path of human progress and flourishing. In her words, "The only 'public interest' is that each individual has the right to pursue his own interest" ("The Virtue of Selfishness"). This encapsulates the Objectivist ideal of a society where individuals are free to pursue their own goals, unencumbered by the demands of collective identities or the imposition of equal outcomes.

As we navigate the complexities of modern societal challenges, it is essential to consider the balance between collective needs and individual rights. The Objectivist perspective, as articulated by Rand, offers a reminder of the importance of safeguarding individual freedoms and the pursuit of personal values as the cornerstones of a thriving, innovative, and just society.

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