Lunch time Discussion & Debate:Diversity. Should u be hired on ur merit or race?

This week's 'suggested' prompt question:

Intro:

In trying to achieve racial equality, some companies and gov't institutions may be required to meet certain quotas of diversity and racial equality in their hiring and promotion policies. Some people opine that a lot of people who are "more qualified" than their counterpart (a person of colour) are being overlooked to be hired, and that companies should hire based on merit, and not solely one's race - a sort of "reverse discrimination" if you will.

Yet, the Canadian Human Rights Commission posts a message on its website for business' that employ more than 100 people: (the message below does not speak about anyone's merit):

"The Employment Equity Act (the Act) helps ensure that all Canadians have the same access to the labour market. The Act also requires that employers take actions to ensure the full representation of members of four designated groups within their organizations: women, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities, and members of racialized groups1 . The Act requires employers to investigate, identify and take concrete action to correct the conditions of disadvantage in employment for the four designated groups."

However, the Human Resources Director website argues that hiring based on merit does not help workplace equality. (See link below).

What do you think? Do you think that there are people with (more) merit than their counterpart, a person of colour, are being overlooked to be hired and/or promoted just because companies have to be more diverse?

Do you think that the requirement for equality and inclusion has to do with woke culture? Why?

Interesting links

https://www.employmentequitychrc.ca/en/about-employment-equity-act

https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2021/05/this-is-how-to-achieve-racial-equity-at-work/

https://psacunion.ca/employment-equity-tool-kit-psac-members

https://www.hcamag.com/au/specialisation/diversity-inclusion/why-hiring-based-on-merit-wont-help-workplace-equality/434696

Rules:

This is a friendly discussion and debate on various issues - it's likely to be passionate. However, the first rule is that there is no attacking (or being rude) to the other person allowed. Deal with the argument, not attack the person making it. Mis-information, untruths, and racist and extremist nationalistic ideologies will not be allowed to the extent that it insults the participants. I understand there is a fine line between free speech (discussion) and moderating this, but, this is a private discussion group and I think most will understand this is an important mitigating tool to avoid harmful rhetoric.

Secondly, we do not discuss our personal backgrounds, education or other things - all we will know is our first names. This will allow the perception of the discussion and debate being on a level-playing-field - we are all, in any event, different and we can all learn from one another.

Thirdly, topic selection will be decided either by me (the moderator) or the group that day in a majority vote.

Finally, NO RECORDING allowed in any way. Note that you should absolutely NOT record our sessions in any way! There is no requirement for cameras to be on.

I look forward to meeting with you all.

Ali