That assumes the status quo ante was a meritocracy. It wasn't, hence the need for actions that promote merit based hiring and workplace inclusion for historically oppressed groups.
The efficacy of current DEI efforts is debatable, but the need should be obvious.
Sounds like we kind of agree but you wouldn't include blind hiring under the label of DEI. Also, I wouldn't agree that historically hiring was more meritocratic before DEI programs.
The efficacy of current DEI efforts is debatable, but the need should be obvious.