What is really sad and troubling is that by buying into this reverse discrimination mentality — because that’s what it is — even those minority candidates who genuinely were qualified will be looked upon with suspicion. This just perpetuates the stereotypes that a minority cannot get ahead in their own merits. If I were a visible minority (BTW, I am a minority but don’t look it), the last thing I would want is to support a program that provides what essentially ate handouts, especially if it could foster the perception that I haven’t earned my accomplishments fair and square. Our family had to work hard when we came to the US, and I feel proud that I never — not once — took advantage of minority-related benefits (not when applying to college, work, etc.). Have some fu**ing pride and pick yourself up! If YOU work hard enough, you will rise on your own merits. Yes, there will be detractors along the way. So what? Focus on education and hard work. Nobody can take those away from you. There are plenty of people who hire fairly based on qualifications. Why would you want to be handed a job for which you aren’t qualified and solely based on your D&I status? Do the hard work, and the rest will follow.