Diversity and inclusion—as aspirations for institutions, and as values—are under attack these days. Opponents to these objectives see a belief in promoting diversity as something un-American, and seek to diminish the idea’s influence in business, government, education, and society generally. All of this is happening at a moment in history when what a genuine commitment to diversity could teach institutions and our society is needed more than ever. How can a commitment to diversity—which is one of the most “American” of values—help us move beyond our current divide?

No one can deny that this is a difficult time for our country. There are observers who say that since the Civil War, our society has never been as divided. Our most serious disagreements center on beliefs that are deeply held and, thus, most likely to divide us: values, identity and religion. At a time when we most need to talk, we either don’t talk at all, or talk only with like-minded people. That said, most people agree that this lack of communication is a problem and a serious one. But other than agreement on each side that the “other side” should go home and leave everyone else alone, we don’t seem to be able to come together on resolving the issues underlying our divisions.