DEFINING DEI
What is diversity, equity, and inclusion?
You can Google the definitions for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). According to Google and the dictionary, the definitions are as follows:
Diversity
the state of being diverse; variety.
the practice or quality of including or involving people from a range of different social and ethnic backgrounds and of different genders, sexual orientations, etc.
Equity
the quality of being fair and impartial.
Inclusion
the action or state of including or of being included within a group or structure.
the practice or policy of providing equal access to opportunities and resources for people who might otherwise be excluded or marginalized, such as those who have physical or intellectual disabilities and members of other minority groups.
However, if you consider yourself a DEI advocate and/or aspires to be a DEI professional, it is important for you to define these terms for yourself.
How did I come up with my own definitions?
When I first began my professional DEI career, I would often define DE&I for participants in my training workshops. These definitions were often based on current and canonical research articles. However, as I continued working in the field, I began to notice the nuance in the terms DE&I as it relates to the workplace. I also continue to read and read A LOT of books and articles that take up topics related to DEI and social justice. Over time, I now have my own definitions that I now call working definitions. They are working definitions because I will continue to evolve in my journey and further refine how I define these terms.
So what exactly are my definitions?
Simply put, diversity is the fact of difference. However, people in workplaces often refer to diversity as the presence of differences.
Equity is the ongoing goal to create fair access to opportunities.
Inclusion is the process of including, inviting and welcoming people into an organization. Inclusion also signals the value of individuals and groups in the workplace.
Homework
Further reading to develop your own definitions…
DEI Deconstructed: Your No-Nonsense Guide to Doing the Work and Doing It Right (2022) by Lily Zheng
From Equity Talk to Equity Walk: Expanding Practitioner Knowledge for Racial Justice in Higher Education (2020) by Tia Brown McNair, Estela Mara Bensimon, et al.
Inclusion Revolution: The Essential Guide to Dismantling Racial Inequity in the Workplace (2022) by Daisy Auger-Domínguez
If you like this content, subscribe to the free newsletter.
Want to support my work? You can treat me to a coffee.
Until next time,
Your favorite Chief Diversity Officer,
Dr. B.
