ESPN host Stephen A. Smith explained why he is “concerned” about reversing DEI measures after President Donald Trump signed a number of executive actions reversing previous efforts.
“I'm concerned about that. I don't like the way I believe the right wing is handling this particular issue, so I'm certainly not going to celebrate it,” Smith said on Wednesday afternoon's show “Will He spoke on the Kane Show.
Workplace discrimination 'based on illegal motives' will be eradicated by President Trump's new acting EEOC chairman
The ESPN host highlighted his and Cain's previous discussions on DEI, saying it was “cool” to ask questions and talk about a merit-based society.
“But there are some on the right who hide behind that word and hide their true impressions,” Smith explained, adding that many conservatives believe that “everyone hired under DEI “I am trying to imply that this was the case.” You were not qualified. ”
President Donald Trump signs an executive order and document issuing pardons for the January 6 defendants in the Oval Office of the White House on Inauguration Day, January 20, 2025, in Washington, USA. (Reuters/Carlos Barria)
Since President Trump took office on January 20, he has signed several executive orders regarding DEI measures, one of which isEnd radical and wasteful government DEI programs and priorities.. ”
The President also signed the “''.Ending unlawful discrimination and restoring merit-based opportunity“Presidential order.
President Trump warns higher education of “dangerous, humiliating, and immoral'' DEI teachings
“Let's understand that we can't ignore why DEI came to exist, and it's because of inequalities in the system, historically underemployed people, and talented people from underrepresented communities across this country. It was the individual's fault. [didn’t] They feel like they’re being treated fairly,” Smith said.
Mr. Smith also Rooney's rules are It showed up in the NFL's recruiting practices. The rule is aimed at increasing the number of ethnic minorities employed in head coaching, general manager and executive positions, according to the NFL's operations page.
“Certainly you would think we should be able to interview anyone. We shouldn't be forced to interview African-American candidates,” he said, asking why the policy was in place in the first place.
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 20: President Donald Trump signs a series of executive orders at the White House on January 20, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post, Getty Images) (Getty)
“We put that policy in place because of the inequities that different NFL owners have exercised throughout history, and all I'm saying is don't forget that reality,” Smith argued.
The sports host said that if the elimination of DEI measures meant that organizations ended up having “seven, eight, nine different positions” filled with white people, “basically all of those white people would be the best.” “It is implying that there is,” he said. We were unable to find suitable candidates from other communities. That's my concern. ”
Smith further explained that institutions need to be careful to avoid an entirely white workforce by eradicating DEI programs and overhauling hiring processes.
”[If] As you know, 40% of the candidates are African American or Latino or a combination of both, and 60% are white. No one has a problem with that. But if they are 95-100% white from the moment DEI is eradicated, it sends the message that the only reason other people got such opportunities is because of DEI, not their qualifications. “It will happen,” he argued.
President Donald Trump holds an executive order and the same-day document granting pardons for the January 6 defendants in the Oval Office of the White House on January 20, 2025. (Reuters/Carlos Barria)
“What I'm saying is that we need to be careful and careful not to spread that message because that message is inaccurate,” he continued. “And history has proven that in many different situations. That's all.”
Asked about his overall view of the president and whether he would vote for him if he had it to do over again, Smith, who did not vote for Trump, said he was rooting for Trump to succeed.
“I don't know if I'll vote for him because I don't believe that chaos won't reign,” he said. “I'm not going to call him an authoritarian or anything like that, but that kind of total power, the White House, the Senate, you know, Congress, that kind of makes me nervous, especially if he could be an authoritarian.” In the hands of someone like me, things like that are a little trivial.”
Smith, who described himself as an independent, said he has voted Republican in the past and likes both liberal and conservative policies.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
“For me, the success of the presidency benefits America, not him. And if that means voting the right way, I will vote the right way.” [the] next election and [the] subsequent elections. and subsequent elections. I’m not embarrassed to tell you,” Smith said.
