In a growing and increasingly diverse city like Naperville, diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives are vital for fostering a community that serves all its residents. In 2000, the city’s population was 15% minority; today, that number has risen to 35%.
This shift is also reflected in the two school districts serving Naperville: Indian Prairie School District 204 now has a 66% minority student population while Community Unit School District 203 is 40% minority.
These changes underscore the need for continued DEI efforts, and it’s no wonder that our city’s mission statement, passed unanimously by a politically diverse Naperville City Council, commits to being “an inclusive community that values diversity.”
Some claim there’s no public mandate for DEI, pointing to reduced corporate investment. However, these cuts often reflect economic pressures, not a diminished need or relevance for DEI. While companies may prioritize short-term profits, communities like Naperville cannot afford to overlook DEI as its benefits extend beyond financial gains.
The idea that DEI divides people is simply false. DEI programs are not about creating division but about removing barriers that have long excluded certain groups. These initiatives foster unity by ensuring everyone has equal opportunities to succeed.
While some may argue that DEI stifles free speech, it actually encourages open, inclusive dialogue that helps us better understand and respect diverse perspectives. Critics who dismiss DEI as unnecessary spending overlook its broader societal value.
DEI isn’t about quotas or checking boxes; while its benefits may not always be immediately measurable in dollars, they are evident in reduced social tensions, increased community engagement and a stronger sense of belonging.
Finally, labeling DEI as political misses the mark. The real politicization occurs when DEI is used as a wedge issue in election campaigns, not when government works to ensure all citizens are treated equitably.
Naperville’s DEI efforts aren’t about partisanship — they’re about building a community where everyone, from seniors to young people, LGBTQ+ residents, people with disabilities and all others, feel safe, valued and heard.
Benny White has served on the Naperville City Council since 2017. Prior to that, he served on the Indian Prairie District 204 School Board.