DEI vs Nepotism

They're both unfair, but would argue that nepotism is better because the fact it exists is result of the strong business/personal relationships a person or their family has. It wouldn't be a factor if there wasn't some tangible benefit to it on the part of the employer - whether that be stronger relationships with the family or individual's parentage that results in profitable interactions that are seen as a worthy trade off for the employer (or in the case of a family-owned/run business, the management team itself). Picking someone to hire based purely on immutable characteristics does not carry that tangible benefit and in many (not saying most) cases is a net detriment to productivity/profitability. Plus choosing discriminate against candidates based on race is illegal. Wouldn't be surprised to see DEI (in its current form at least) become banned at a national level in the coming decades because of how it violates discrimination law and is abused by corporations.