Stephen A. Smith explains his “concerns” about the end of DEI events

ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith explains why he is “concerned” about the cancellation of DEI measures after President Donald Trump signed a series of executive actions that rolled back previous initiatives.

“I’m concerned about it. I’m certainly not going to mention it because I don’t like the way the law is handling this particular issue,” Smith told “The Will Cain Show” Wednesday afternoon.

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The ESPN host highlighted her and Cain’s previous discussions about DEI, saying it was about asking questions and talking about a topic. merit based society is “cool”.

“But there are others on the right who hide behind those words to hide how they really come across,” Smith explained, arguing that many conservatives are “trying to mean anyone who gets hired under the DEI — it’s definitely ‘you weren’t qualified.’

President Donald Trump signs documents as he issues executive orders and pardons for the Jan. 6 defendants in the Oval Office at the White House on Inauguration Day, Jan. 20, 2025, in Washington, U.S., Jan. 20, 2025. (REUTERS/Carlos Barria)

Since Trump’s inauguration on Jan. 20, he has signed several executive orders on DEI measures, one of which “Ending and prioritizing radical and wasteful government DEI programs.”

The president also signedEnding Unlawful Discrimination and Restoring Opportunities Based on Merit“Executive order.

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“Let’s understand that we can’t ignore why the DEI exists. It was because of the inequities in the system, the people who weren’t hired before, the people who were empowered from minority communities in this country (didn’t) feel they were being treated fairly,” Smith said. .

Smith also emphasized Rooney rules it It appeared in the NFL’s recruiting practices. According to the NFL Operations page, the rule is intended to increase the number of minorities hired in head coaching, general manager and executive positions.

“Of course you would think you could interview whoever you wanted. You shouldn’t be forced to interview an African-American candidate,” he said, before asking why the policy was implemented in the first place.

WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 20: President Donald Trump signs a series of executive orders at the White House on January 20, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post via Getty Images) (Getty)

“He implemented this policy because of the inequities that have been implemented by various NFL owners throughout history. I say let’s not lose sight of that reality,” Smith said.

The sportscaster argued that if an organization ends up with “seven, eight, nine different positions” that are all White employees by eliminating DEI measures, “you’re basically assuming that all of these White people are the best. There are candidates and a competent one from any different community.” We couldn’t find anyone.

Smith explained it later Termination of DEI programs and when rethinking the hiring process, institutions should be careful to avoid an all-White workforce.

“(If) you know that 40% of the candidates are African-American or Latino or a combination of both, and 60% of them are white. Nobody’s going to have a problem with that. But 95-100% of them say the DEI has been repealed. moment white, then you’re sending the message that the only reason other people had those capabilities was DEI as opposed to DEI. qualities,” he argued.

President Donald Trump holds a document in the Oval Office at the White House, Jan. 20, 2025, the day he issued executive orders and pardons for the Jan. 6 defendants. (REUTERS/Carlos Barria)

“I’m saying you have to be careful and watchful that this message doesn’t spread because it’s inaccurate,” he said. “And history has proven that in many different circumstances. That’s all.”

When Smith, who didn’t vote for Trump, was asked about his overall view of the president and whether he would vote for him if he accomplished something, he said it was at the root of his success.

“I don’t know if I will vote for him because I don’t believe that chaos will not reign,” he said. “I’m not trying to call him an authoritarian or anything, but the White House, the Senate, you know, Congress, etc. That kind of total power makes me nervous, especially in the hands of a guy like him. It’s a little petty and stuff like that.”

Smith, who says he’s an independent, said he’s voted Republican in the past and likes both liberal and conservative politics.

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“A successful presidency, to me, is good for America, not him (President Trump). If that means voting the right way, I’m going to vote the right way in the next election and the election after that. I’m not ashamed to tell you that,” Smith said.