Diversity, equity, and inclusion

"DEI" redirects here. For other uses, see DEI (disambiguation).

Flyer supporting equity, diversity, and inclusion in 2016

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are organizational frameworks which seek to promote the fair treatment and full participation of all people, particularly groups who have historically been underrepresented or subject to discrimination on the basis of identity or disability.[1] These three notions (diversity, equity, and inclusion) together represent "three closely linked values" which organizations seek to institutionalize through DEI frameworks.[2] The concepts predate this terminology and other variations sometimes include terms such as belonging, justice, and accessibility. As such, frameworks such as inclusion and diversity (I&D),[3] diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB),[4][5][6] justice, equity, diversity and inclusion (JEDI or EDIJ),[7][8] or diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility (IDEA, DEIA or DEAI)[9][10][11] exist.

Diversity refers to the presence of variety within the organizational workforce, such as in identity and identity politics. It includes gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, age, culture, class, religion, or opinion.[2][12] Equity refers to concepts of fairness and justice, such as fair compensation and substantive equality.[12] More specifically, equity usually also includes a focus on societal disparities and allocating resources and "decision making authority to groups that have historically been disadvantaged",[13] and taking "into consideration a person's unique circumstances, adjusting treatment accordingly so that the end result is equal."[2] Finally, inclusion refers to creating an organizational culture that creates an experience where "all employees feel their voices will be heard",[2] and a sense of belonging and integration.[12][14]

DEI is most often used to describe certain training efforts, such as diversity training. Although DEI is best known as a form of corporate training, it also finds implementation within many types of organizations, such as within academia, schools, and hospitals.[15][16] Into the 2020s, DEI efforts and policies have generated criticism, some directed at the specific effectiveness of its tools, such as diversity training, and its effect on free speech and academic freedom, as well as more broadly attracting criticism on political or philosophical grounds. In addition, the term "DEI" has gained traction as an ethnic slur towards minority groups in the United States.[17][18]

  1. ^ "'DEI' – on Dictionary.com". dictionary.com. Retrieved 25 March 2023.
  2. ^ a b c d "What is diversity, equity, and inclusion?". McKinsey & Company. 17 August 2022. Retrieved 25 March 2023.
  3. ^ "What is Inclusion & Diversity?". The Insurance Institute of London. Retrieved 18 July 2024.
  4. ^ Read, Bridget (26 May 2021). "Inside the Booming Diversity-Equity-and-Inclusion Industrial Complex". The Cut. Retrieved 21 September 2022.
  5. ^ "Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB)". bi.edu. BI Norwegian Business School. Retrieved 25 March 2023.
  6. ^ "The Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging". University of Kansas. Retrieved 25 March 2023.
  7. ^ Hammond, J. W.; Brownell, Sara E.; Kedharnath, Nita A.; Cheng, Susan J.; Byrd, W. Carson (23 September 2021). "Why the Term 'JEDI' Is Problematic for Describing Programs That Promote Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion". Scientific American. Retrieved 25 March 2023.
  8. ^ "Office of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Justice (EDIJ)". Lesley University. Retrieved 25 March 2023.
  9. ^ "Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA)". Indiana Arts Commission. 30 April 2018. Retrieved 25 March 2023.
  10. ^ "Definitions of Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion". American Alliance of Museums. Retrieved 25 March 2023.
  11. ^ "Executive Order on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility in the Federal Workforce". whitehouse.gov. 25 June 2021. Retrieved 25 March 2023.
  12. ^ a b c Alfonseca, Kiara (10 February 2023). "DEI: What does it mean and what is its purpose?". ABC News. Retrieved 25 March 2023.
  13. ^ "Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Definitions". University of Washington. Retrieved 25 March 2023.
  14. ^ "Diversity, Equity & Inclusion". Code for America. Retrieved 23 March 2022.
  15. ^ Grubbs, Vanessa (23 July 2020). "Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion That Matter". New England Journal of Medicine. 383 (4): e25. doi:10.1056/NEJMpv2022639. PMID 32649073. S2CID 220465926.
  16. ^ Rosenkranz, Kari M.; Arora, Tania K.; Termuhlen, Paula M.; Stain, Steven C.; Misra, Subhasis; Dent, Daniel; Nfonsam, Valentine (July 2021). "Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Medicine: Why It Matters and How do We Achieve It?". Journal of Surgical Education. 78 (4): 1058–1065. doi:10.1016/j.jsurg.2020.11.013. PMID 33279427. S2CID 227521028.
  17. ^ Rahman, Khaleda (30 March 2024). "Is DEI a racial slur? Rise in term outrages Black Americans". Newsweek. Retrieved 4 August 2024.
  18. ^ Warfield, Rafiel Deon (1 August 2024). "The Right Is Trying to Turn 'DEI' Into a Slur. Don't Let Them". Slate. ISSN 1091-2339. Retrieved 4 August 2024.