So, all eyes are on the GOP as it undergoes some introspection. But this isn’t just about the GOP. Corporations and governments and leaders in practically every sector of our society need to consider what the demographics mean to the overall health and welfare of our country.

For years, many people of reason and good will have promoted diversity and inclusiveness as not only right but good for business. But there is another, more urgent reason: It is necessary for the survival of our governments, businesses and communities.

Women and people of color make up the majority of America’s workforce. They are in line to assume many of the positions and responsibilities long dominated by white men. If those future workers and managers and CEOs aren’t properly educated, trained and empowered, we could see considerable cracks in America’s political, governmental, economic, cultural and social infrastructure.

Business, civic and governmental leaders across the country would be wise to respond to the changing demographics by investing more in educating and training all workers and citizens. That’s particularly true for minorities, who tend to make up a greater share of the least educated. In South Carolina, that means not only pursuing industry to bring good jobs to the state but also making sure our public school system offers high-quality education to all children, regardless of where they live, so that they are employable. It also means black and Hispanic children, parents and communities must make education a priority.

Despite many advances over the years, many organizations — whether in the private sector or government — have done too little to assemble a diverse workforce or leadership team. There remain glass ceilings and other barriers holding women and minorities back.

The demographics suggest that can continue only so long. The sheer numbers — both in vacancies and in minorities looking for opportunities — will shatter those glass ceilings. America will depend on more and more women and minorities to not only supply the workforce but lead companies, universities and government.

As Bill Clinton would say, “This is just math, folks.”

Minorities are fast becoming the majority in the United States: The Census Bureau expects minorities — whose numbers surpassed 100 million for the first time in 2006 — will account for at least half of U.S. residents sometime between 2040 and 2050. The nation’s white population, about 85 percent in 1960, will drop to about a half or lower over that time.