Python Foundation rejects $1.5M grant with no-DEI strings
www.theregister.com
: Foundation says it won't compromise policy of inclusivity even if that cash would've really helped

National Science Foundation (NSF) had offered $1.5 million to address structural vulnerabilities in Python and the Python Package Index (PyPI), but the Foundation quickly became dispirited with the terms of the grant it would have to follow.

“These terms included affirming the statement that we ‘do not, and will not during the term of this financial assistance award, operate any programs that advance or promote DEI [diversity, equity, and inclusion], or discriminatory equity ideology in violation of Federal anti-discrimination laws,’” Crary noted. “This restriction would apply not only to the security work directly funded by the grant, but to any and all activity of the PSF as a whole.”

  • Gaja0@lemmy.zipEnglish
    1·
    3 days ago

    I see his fully fleshed explanation, but I don’t see a counter? Not that I have any strong opinion, just curious what DEI actually means.

    • Chozo@fedia.io
      5·
      3 days ago

      DEI isn’t intended to be “colorblind”, it explicitly suggests that employers give consideration to applicants from disparaged demographics, who may have otherwise been ignored during the application process. It doesn’t, however, imply hiring quotas; there is no such thing as “a DEI hire”.

      Many people seem to confuse DEI for Affirmative Action, as evidenced above. This article explains the differences pretty succinctly: https://natlawreview.com/article/dei-diversity-equity-and-inclusion-v-affirmative-action-they-are-not-same

      While Affirmative Action is often seen as a legal and policy-driven approach, DEI is more about cultural transformation and ongoing efforts to create a supportive and inclusive workplace. Both are crucial for building a fair and equitable society, but they operate on different levels and address different aspects of inequality. DEI initiatives, though can impact hiring, focus on the workplace and people in it. The intent is to embrace the collective, minimize bias and treat others in a respectful and understanding manner.