Maybe after the endless Russiagate recitations America is experiencing “scandal fatigue” with regard to President Musk, or Trump, or whoever is driving this crazy train. Why else would Trump get a pass on the very real scandal emerging from his first two weeks in office?

When Santa Ana winds made a late appearance early in January and found an abundance of available desiccated vegetation, it should have not been surprising that fires would occur. When they did, bringing enormous property damage and lives lost, prominent conservatives attributed the perceived inadequate response to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies. They argued that prioritizing DEI initiatives somehow compromised the effectiveness of firefighting efforts.

Critics, including President-elect Donald Trump and media personalities like Megyn Kelly and Elon Musk, contend that a focus on DEI has led to the appointment of less qualified individuals in key positions, thereby undermining operational efficiency. For instance, Kelly criticized Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) Chief Kristin Crowley, the first female and openly LGBTQ leader of the department, suggesting that her appointment was based on diversity considerations rather than merit.

Additionally, some conservatives claim that DEI initiatives have diverted resources away from essential services. They argue that funds allocated to DEI programs could have been better spent on infrastructure maintenance and disaster preparedness. Elon Musk, for example, implied that the emphasis on DEI contributed to the challenges faced during the wildfire response.

This was a patently absurd effort to obfuscate the truth of an understaffed department of well-meaning public servants facing climate-charged wildfires. DEI has become a dog whistle used by Trump, no different than his use of immigrants to signal extreme prejudice - invoking the "Other." In this case it was an attempt to slow or divert Americans' growing recognition of the real impacts of climate change.

Trump, Musk, and the Purge

Then Trump and his Mini-Me oligarch sidekick buddy, Musk moved into the White House on January 20th. This was immediately followed by a flurry of confusing and insulting emails sent to two million federal employees cancelling telework, demanding loyalty oaths,and offering early retirements, including all the employees of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Within days of the inauguration the head of the FAA was forced out by a disagreement with Musk. Last Wednesday, on the 29th of January, the nation faced its worst air disaster since 2001 over the Potomac River, killing 67 people. By the end of last week, federal agencies were ordered to remove all web content related to climate change, DEI policies, and particularly content linking fires and climate. No doubt, all Federal workplaces are in turmoil with uncertainty, given this administration’s roll-out.

The cherry on top of this orgy of disruption, Trump’s pièce de résistance, was his presser immediately after the crash. Platitudes, prayers, and a nod for the need of investigation was all that was required. Instead, without any supporting evidence except the President’s self-described “common sense," he proclaimed that the accident was due to DEI policies within the FAA. Imagine how reassured the families of the victims must feel by such sagely wisdom offered by his majesty. There it is again. Using DEI as a dog whistle to validate all the cis-gendered white guys with a grudge.

It should be most cringeworthy moving forward as we see all the bogeymen of the Right being systematically blamed for every disastrous outcome, whether it’s at the hand of a blundering administration full of bluster, or the certain disasters that await from the unfolding metacrisis of climate, and the unwinding of American hegemony. Not only is this tactic factually incorrect, but it puts a target on the backs of innocent people.

DEI is not a one- or two-hour class that everyone gripes about but is forced to attend. DEI is a frame of mind and a work culture that welcomes everyone, even if they seem different in some way. This is the natural outgrowth of a workforce that is kind, compassionate, and understanding. I have told many that my experience is that being in a workplace filled with mutually supportive and affirming people is rare and should be sought at all times. It’s all about who you work with and the depth of passion you and your co-workers bring to bear on your work. Unfortunately, that perfect workplace is rare, and it all depends on the people to treat each other with respect, dignity, and patience. Sadly, in any job with a lot of turnover such a condition never lasts.

The Value of Diversity in Firefighting

Diversity among firefighters—whether in wildland or structural roles—is not a hindrance but a strength. A team composed of individuals from varied backgrounds brings a wealth of perspectives and problem-solving approaches to the table. This is especially critical in high-stakes situations like combating wildfires, where innovative thinking and adaptability can mean the difference between containment and catastrophe. Research consistently shows that diverse teams perform better under pressure and are more effective at tackling complex challenges.

Moreover, diversity initiatives aim to ensure that firefighting teams reflect the communities they serve. This alignment fosters trust, improves communication with the public, and enhances community cooperation during emergencies. Representation matters, particularly in building a workforce capable of addressing the unique needs and vulnerabilities of diverse populations impacted by disasters.

A Path Forward

To ensure robust wildfire response capabilities, we must:

• Invest in Firefighters: Advocate for higher wages, better benefits, and improved working conditions to retain experienced personnel and attract new talent. Proposed permanent increases in federal wildland firefighter pay are almost certainly tabled for now in this chaotic environment. More likely is reorganization, consolidation, and privatization. Who will tackle this summer’s blazes?

• Support Diversity: Continue to prioritize DEI efforts to build resilient, innovative teams that can rise to the challenges of a changing climate and evolving fire behavior.

• Focus on Systemic Solutions: Direct attention to critical issues like infrastructure improvements, climate resilience, and resource allocation rather than diverting blame onto initiatives aimed at inclusivity.

The recent wildfires in Southern California underscore the need for a united, well-supported firefighting workforce. Instead of sowing division by critiquing DEI policies, let’s recognize and address the real barriers to effective wildfire response. By investing in our firefighters—all of them—and tackling systemic challenges head-on, we can build a future where communities are safer, and wildfire impacts are mitigated.