What Exactly is DEI?

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, often shortened to “DEI” has been in the news of late as it has been widely politicized. So, what exactly is DEI anyway? Lets start with definitions of each word: Merriam Webster defines the words Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion as such:

Diversity: The condition of being composed of differing elements: variety especially the inclusion of people of different races cultures, etc.

Equity: Fairness or justice in the way people are treated, often, specifically freedom from disparities in the way people of different races, genders, etc. are treated.

Inclusion: The act of including: the state of being included: The act or practice of including and accommodating people who have historically been excluded (as because of their race, gender, sexuality, or ability)

Based on the basic definition DEI programs are ones that celebrate the diversity present in humanity, seek fairness and justice in how individuals from various backgrounds are treated and seeks to ensure no group of people is excluded. When looking at Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, I think most of us would agree that these are good things. Yet, the current political administration has raged against DEI programs as “illegal and immoral discrimination programs.” In this environment schools, hospitals, and universities have been ordered to remove all DEI programs or lose funding. Corporations have started removing their own DEI programs to appease both shareholders and the current political administration.

Here are some examples of things Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs  have provided to us:

• Handicap ramps to allow access to buildings such as schools and libraries

• Paternity and maternity leave from work

• Pumping stations for nursing mothers to be able to return to work

• Voice commands for those who are visually impaired

• Simplified interface and navigation for those that need

• Internal bias awareness training

• Pay equality

• Employee resource groups

• Mentorship programs

• Workplace culture building

• Training programs offered at various times to accommodate single parents, or multiple options for how to take and pass a training program to meet the needs of neurodivergent or differently abled individuals

• Protections from being discriminated against based on age,  national origin, race, disability, veteran status, familial status, gender, religion, or sexual orientation

The above examples above are all things that for the most part help.  So, when talking about diversity, equity, and inclusion lets try and have a conversation about the merits of specific programs instead of demonizing “DEI” as when we look at what Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion mean and what these types of programs stand for, removing all programs under this heading will only remove progress made. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion programs are not racist, but designed to fight racism and bigotry and are needed more now than ever.