What is DEI?

Diversity, equity, and inclusion—popularly known as DEI—encompasses various initiatives aimed at fostering fairness and representation across workplaces, governmental institutions, and academic environments. The specific interpretation of DEI often varies depending on the organization or individual perspectives.

The Three Pillars of DEI

DEI is built upon three foundational pillars, each corresponding to one of the components of the acronym:

• Diversity: Representing individuals from various backgrounds and identities.
• Equity: Ensuring fair treatment and access to opportunities.
• Inclusion: Creating an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered.

Diversity: The First Pillar

The first pillar of DEI, diversity, involves incorporating individuals from a myriad of backgrounds and cultures into an organization. This encompasses a wide array of identities, including but not limited to gender, race, socioeconomic status, and more, as noted by Jihye Kwon, associate director at USC’s Race and Equity Center.

Efforts to enhance diversity often target groups that have historically faced barriers to opportunity, such as women and people of color, as well as those from diverse socioeconomic and educational backgrounds. As highlighted by Monica Khetarpal from Jackson Lewis, increasing diversity can lead to heightened innovation through the introduction of varied perspectives.

Some practical strategies to enhance diversity include:

• Utilizing gender-neutral terminology in job postings.
• Avoiding the requirement of advanced degrees when not necessary.
• Expanding recruitment efforts to include Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and other non-traditional venues.
• Implementing blind recruitment practices by removing identifying information from resumes.

Equity: The Second Pillar

The focus on equity underscores the significance of fair treatment and equal opportunities, especially concerning compensation and job advancement. It entails accommodating differing needs within the workforce, such as providing adjustments for individuals with disabilities. Khetarpal emphasizes that equity is about equipping everyone with the resources they require to achieve their maximum potential.

Inclusion: The Final Pillar

Inclusion is centered on fostering a culture where every individual is recognized, respected, and empowered to contribute effectively. Khetarpal explains that true inclusion means acknowledging all contributions and ensuring individuals feel valued irrespective of their roles. She points out that inclusion is essential to counteract power imbalances within organizations, underlining that one cannot achieve true inclusion without diversity and equity.

Strategies to promote inclusion may include:

• Conducting training programs focused on anti-harassment and anti-discrimination.
• Establishing employee resource groups that provide supportive networks.
• Creating multicultural centers that allow space for dialogue about shared experiences among employees or students.