We Should Celebrate Diversity Not Cancel it

America’s power, brand, and strength were built by the diverse talents and contributions of all immigrants.

In late spring 1831, French philosopher, diplomat, and historian Alexis de Tocqueville came to New York City and spent the next five months traveling across the United States. The young nation was experiencing its first major wave of immigration during this period, with millions of them moving westward in search of prosperity and a new beginning.

Four years later, de Tocqueville would publish the first volume of his seminal work, “Democracy in America,” which examined the social and political movements emerging in the rapidly expanding nation at a time when President Andrew Jackson was advocating for the interests of the common man and railing against elitism in government.

Among other things, de Tocqueville was fascinated by immigrants’ passionate pursuit of freedom, individualism and opportunity and the diversity they represented – different languages, cultures, traditions and perspectives.

More than a century later, in his timeless work “A Nation of Immigrants,” President John F. Kennedy (JFK) would remind us that “the name America was given by a German mapmaker to honor an Italian explorer, Angelo Vespucci. The three ships which first discovered America sailed under a Spanish flag, were commanded by an Italian sea captain, and included in their crews an Englishman, an Irishman, a Jew and a Negro.”

That’s what you call diversity in action – from 534 years ago.

I am also an immigrant. I came to the U.S. from Ireland in the spring of 1968. Like millions of Irish and other immigrants before me, I too came in search of opportunity. For the past 58 years, I have lived and worked in New York – a wonderful, energetic, and exciting place like no other. What fascinated me upon arrival was the city’s extraordinary diversity – racial, religious, and ethnic.

How wonderful it was to be in such an environment – to stroll on any street in Manhattan, for instance, and see people from every corner of the world who made the difficult decision to leave their families and familiar surroundings to pursue a new life thousands of miles from home.
 
Living and working in such an environment is educational, broadens perspective, helps one gain understanding, and reminds us of our interdependence – all part of a wonderful “world family.” We are enhanced by such experiences.

The historical context is important to all chief executives as they strive to grow and build strong, talented, and resilient organizations. For the past 23 years, I was president and CEO of Northwell Health, New York State’s largest health care provider and private employer, with a workforce of more than 104,000. Over the years, beginning with one Long Island hospital (North Shore University Hospital), we built a successful and innovative company based on the following principles.

·      The desire to optimize the talents, skills, and perspectives of all individuals from all backgrounds. Irrespective of religion, ethnicity, or circumstance. We encouraged and solicited their input and continuously provided opportunities for personal and professional growth and mobility. We celebrated their diversity by unlocking their potential.

·      The belief that having employees who represent the demographic of the people we serve enhances the bond between the organization and the community. It builds engagement and trust, leading to respect and understanding. In the health care field, research has demonstrated that having caregivers who share their patients’ race or ethnicity improves trust and leads to better outcomes and satisfaction.

·      The recognition that having leaders and employees from diverse backgrounds builds understanding, enhances knowledge, promotes respect and broadens perspective, especially when serving a large clientele such as New York’s that is one of the most diverse in the US. Such perspectives need to be heard, not excluded.

It’s extremely unfortunate that the issue of diversity has been politicized and undermined in recent years, prompting many organizations to reassess, abandon or curtail their diversity initiatives.

We must always remember that America’s power, brand, and strength were built by the diverse talents and contributions of all immigrants.

As JFK reminded us, “Every American who ever lived with the exception of one group was either an immigrant or the descendant of immigrants.”

Diversity is ingrained in our history and should be enhanced and celebrated, not discouraged

Michael J. Dowling is CEO Emeritus at Northwell Health, the Northeast’s largest health system. His authored works include Health Care Reboot: Megatrends Energizing American Medicine, Leading Through a Pandemic, and After the Roof Caved In: An Immigrant’s Journey from Ireland to America.