Rural Representation in America is DEI: A Case for Consistency in Inclusion

For decades, Conservatives have championed the principle that rural areas and states with smaller populations deserve equal representation and protections, often invoking the Constitution, the Electoral College, and state laws to justify this inclusion. These safeguards ensure that the voices of less populous areas are not drowned out by urban centers. This principle of inclusion—essentially Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) on steroids—is woven into the fabric of American governance. However, it also reveals a glaring hypocrisy when Conservatives simultaneously reject DEI measures that extend similar protections to historically marginalized groups.

The argument is simple: rural and sparsely populated areas require safeguards to prevent them from being overshadowed by larger, more populous urban areas. This is why the Senate gives equal representation to states regardless of population size, and why the Electoral College skews power toward less populated regions. These measures are, at their core, forms of equity—ensuring that smaller states and rural communities have a seat at the table even when their population or contributions might not warrant it under a strictly merit-based system.

The Hypocrisy in Rejecting DEI for Marginalized Groups

When the same principles are applied to racial, ethnic, and other marginalized groups who have been systemically excluded from opportunities, Conservatives often dismiss DEI initiatives as unfair or exclusionary. They claim these measures prioritize identity over merit. But if we accept that smaller states and rural communities deserve inclusion and safeguards despite their limited populations or contributions, why should we reject similar efforts to address systemic inequities for marginalized groups?

By this logic, should Democrats challenge the constitutionality of protections for rural areas if Conservatives continue to undermine inclusion for others? Should we demand that the Senate, Electoral College, and other mechanisms adhere strictly to merit and population size, effectively eliminating the very protections Conservatives defend for rural America?

The truth is, inclusion isn’t a zero-sum game. Rural Americans deserve representation, just as African Americans, Latinos, Indigenous peoples, LGBTQ+ individuals, and other historically marginalized groups deserve access to fairness and opportunity. Equity measures, whether for rural areas or marginalized communities, recognize that systemic disparities require intentional efforts to ensure everyone has a voice and the ability to thrive.

Acknowledging criticisms of DEI as exclusionary, Progressives are introducing Belonging in Action (BIA)—an evolved approach that prioritizes fostering environments where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute. Unlike traditional DEI, BIA avoids divisive rhetoric and centers on creating shared connections and fairness for all.

We invite Conservatives to join us in this effort. Just as they’ve championed protections for rural areas, they can support a framework that applies the same principles of inclusion universally. If they truly believe in equity for those historically overshadowed, then they must extend that belief to all who have been left behind—not just those who align with their political base.

America’s strength lies in its ability to ensure that no one is left behind, whether they live in a small town, a large city, or within a historically marginalized community. It’s time to practice what we preach. Let’s create a nation where belonging is more than just a principle—it’s a reality for everyone.