Intolerable Tolerance: The Problem with Diversity Training in the Military

Abstract:     
The United States Armed Services have long been heralded as organizational exemplars of embracing diversity and overcoming discrimination. By adhering to a social doctrine of "less discrimination" and "more tolerance of others," military organizations have led the way with the integration of minorities and women during the 1950s-1980s. In the well-established process of indoctrinating its newest members, recruits are given numerous briefings on the virtues of diversity and tolerance. However, in light of the recent social crises at the military academies involving allegations of discrimination and harassment, we argue that which is needed most is "more discrimination" and "less tolerance." Despite its best intentions, the US military seems to have become too tolerant of tolerance.

Number of Pages in PDF File: 8

Keywords: diversity, discrimination, tolerance, race, religion, homosexuality, gender

JEL Classification: I28, Z00

Accepted Paper Series