Equity-what it means!

January 25, 2025

“There will always be the lower 20% in any population.” Thomas Sowell, Economist.

We all believe in equal opportunity, but equity is different. Equity means equal outcomes. Examples of equity might include-all applicants admitted to Harvard. All Iowa farmers raise the same amount of corn. All 6 graders score the same on a math test. All employees paid the same, all cross-country runners cross the finish line at the same time, everyone is promoted together, etc. See how foolish this concept is?? Would you fill a basketball team roster with all the same height men??

The capabilities of people are not the same. Some are much more intelligent than others, some work harder. Some people are just great in math, others are great in art or music. Some people are physically stronger. Of course, some people are short!

Some people are lazy! They do not apply effort to work or life. Some people are brave and have courage, others are weak.

To pursue equity means directing resources to people so they might reach the higher outcomes of others. Sadly, it can also mean lowering the level of outcome for all. To get to all A’s on a 6th grade math test, the teacher might make to test “extra easy.” But-many in the class will not be challenged and/or study extra hard. The result, in this example, is mediocracy. Cross country runners in the front have to slow down to wait for the rest of the team. Ugh!!

For 2-3 centuries, in most prosperous countries, the fundamental economic principle was to direct scarce resources to those people with the brightest ideas, innovation, and proven track records. Banks should never make loans based on equity. The best method to help underachievers is to live in a thriving economy with opportunities for all.

While teaching college 6 years ago, my university changed admissions criteria to include “life’s struggles” as a major factor in admissions. Sounds noble, but HS grades and SAT’s were not equally considered. Sadly, the students admitted using this new set of criteria failed miserably and most dropped out, many with student loans. Ugh! I wondered about the students that were not admitted because they did not have a “struggle” to report.

The pursuit of “equity” is just a bad and outdated social experiment.

Lastly, a word about diversity! In the business world, diversity means granting jobs, promotions, pay increases, bonuses, and other “rewards” based on race and sex. Therefore, merit is not a factor. This is analogous to “butting in line.”