DEI pilots, maintenance people, and more....
Nonsense. The seniority of this captain predates any “DEI” hiring that might have occurred in the last 5 years.
There was certainly a judgment issue on the part of the captain. Diverting to DIA because of an engine problem was wise, but instead of taxing to the gate, it might have been better to have firefighters check the engine while still on the runway after landing. That is the best place to evacuate if it comes to that.