Equity, Diversity and Inclusion are under fire. Here's why they should be defended.
It's not often I make an overtly political statement, at least in my role as a member of Mersey Rose Recreationals CC.
However, recent talk around equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI; DEI in the US) have characterised them negatively, and in ways that suggest EDI is some kind of socially destructive force.
Firstly, the US president has suggested that the worst airline disaster is two decades was due to EDI recruitment policies, without foundation. Today, a UK MP - Reform's Rupert Lowe - stated that EDI is "anti-white racism".
These statements are designed to misrepresent the actual nature of EDI initiatives, with a view to shaping public opinion towards them. They shamelessly use a tragedy in an attempt to roll back decades of progress.
Mersey Rose Recreationals actively supports EDI principles; indeed, our club's ethos is underpinned by them. On this website is a page that explains the club's position in relation to EDI.
I believe that, when EDI is under attack, as it is now, the very least that is required is a robust defence. I also think that a few myths - and one or two outright lies - need to be challenged.
In relation to the US president, who went so far as to pre-empt official investigation in pointing fingers, I am sure he will be shown to be incorrect in his assertions. The MP for Great Yarmouth clearly doesn't understand EDI if he feels it applies only to race. But these people matter because they are influential and their inflammatory rhetoric is widely listened to. It may make little difference if the president is shown to have made false assumptions and he knows it; his rhetoric has already had the intended impact. He doesn't care if he is right or not, he just wishes to start up a war of words around EDI.
Both of these politicians wish to create division rather than inclusion. it suits their respective agendas. They want to create the false impression that EDI is by nature exclusive, that certain groups receive preferential treatment, that EDI is incompatible with meritocracy and that is is part of a broader "woke" ideology that imposes "progressive" social values on workplaces and institutions.
Naturally, they ignore the fact that EDI creates positive workplace cultures, actually helps address systemic barriers, creates fairer processes and helps to attract and retain talent. But I'll leave that argument for others to make.
As a sports club, EDI is important to us because it is anti-discriminatory. We aim to create an environment in which everyone has a chance to succeed and fulfil their potential, and a focus on EDI helps us do that.
We want people to feel that they belong at Mersey Rose Recreationals. This will only happen if they feel comfortable, welcome, safe and included - which is the essence of EDI.
What does EDI mean in practical terms? It means creating a welcoming environment for all. It means that we celebrate diversity. It means that we listen to our members and encourage them to talk, knowing their voices will be heard. It means that we don't stand for discrimination of any kind, whether intentional or not. It means we look to find ways of creating opportunities for everyone to enjoy cricket, and remove barriers that may hinder the progress of people from diverse backgrounds. We do this in various ways, but one thing we are keen to do is work with people outwith the club (e.g. disability charities or Her Game Too) to inform our practices and approaches. A commitment to EDI also means that we are committed to tackling, and encouraging reporting of, discriminatory or abusive behaviour. What is so bad about that?
Mersey Rose Recreationals is an example of EDI in action. We are not a racist enterprise, whatever Mr Lowe may think. Neither are we discriminatory in other respects - quite the opposite. We believe that our values, which are based on EDI principles, are absolutely the right ones to improve the culture within our game, to create healthy sports clubs and to attract the next generation of cricketers.
Our local league, the Liverpool and District Cricket Competition, clearly agrees - it has set up an EDI working group, which advises the league and its member clubs with a view to facilitating equity of experience, improving access and opportunity, and the creation of inclusive and welcoming environments.
To have such initiatives described as either racist endeavours or undermining meritocracy not only betrays a lack of understanding, but is frankly insulting to the efforts and motivations of those involved.
Those of us who value EDI, especially those of us active within sports clubs, must push back against the confusion and hostility people like Rupert Lowe are seeking to create. Now is the time to double down on commitments to EDI to ensure that everyone, regardless of their background, has opportunity to thrive and succeed.
Andi Page is the hardball team captain at Mersey Rose Recreationals CC.
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