The False Pandemic over DEI and Affinity Groups

For his human rights capstone, Antonio Cruz Preciado participated in the course CSRE 194KTA: “Topics in Writing & Rhetoric: Racism, Misogyny, and the Law” where he produced a group written op-ed piece exploring the rising backlash against Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts in academia, with a focus on Stanford University. Through interviews, legal analysis, and personal reflection, this piece analyzes the false panic surrounding affinity groups and the misconception that DEI undermines meritocracy. The op-ed format allowed the authors to speak directly to campus debates while framing DEI as a broader human rights issue. Grounded in the lived experiences of marginalized students, the piece calls for a deeper understanding of equity as restorative, not divisive. Student project deposited by department for archival purposes. Original work unavailable for public download due to permission restriction preferences of the author.