Margaret and Diversty Redux

There are two separate questions:

1. Is diversity in the workplace an end in itself or simply a means of combatting unjust discrimination in hiring and promotion?

2. Are hiring and promotion quotas and/or diversity training effective means of achieving these goals?

Re. 1, my own view is that workplace diversity policies should be viewed as a means of combatting discrimination rather than an end in themselves.

Re.2, since hiring and promotion quotas are prima facie unjust, they should be utilized only for groups who continue to be subjected to serious discrimination. Although mildly irritating, there is nothing particularly unjust about being subjectived to diversity training as a condition of employment. But such techniques are, in general, not likely to be particularly effective in instilling non-discriminatory attitudes in the workforce.

Upshot: although the tone of Margaret's column may warm the cockles of the Neanderthal heart, she's not entirely out to lunch on this one.