DEI Doesn’t Work in Pieces

At DAS & Associates, we’ve observed a concerning trend in DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives. Many companies are now focusing exclusively on “Inclusion.” While this might appear harmless, it undermines the broader mission of fostering genuinely diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplaces. This shift not only affects company culture but also impacts the richness and diversity of our broader American communities.

To understand the gravity of this issue, we must recognize that Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are not just buzzwords; they’re the foundational pillars of advancing organizational culture and climate through the DEI framework. Diversity brings a spectrum of perspectives, experiences, and ideas, driving innovation and enriching our understanding. Equity ensures fairness, granting everyone access to the same opportunities, regardless of background. It demands we dismantle systemic barriers that hinder certain groups in the workplace and our society.  Inclusion fosters a culture where every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered to be their authentic selves.

When companies prioritize Inclusion while neglecting Diversity and Equity, they create an illusion of belonging that masks deep-seated inequalities. It’s akin to applying a band-aid to a severe wound – it may hide the problem temporarily, but it doesn’t heal the underlying issue. Inclusion without Diversity and Equity is an empty gesture that fails to challenge the status quo and disrupt existing power structures.

This approach is perilous because it fosters a misleading sense of progress, causing organizations to mistakenly believe that they have tackled inequality and discrimination merely by enhancing comfort. However, comfort alone is not the ultimate objective of DEI. The true goal is to cultivate workplaces where everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed, where diverse perspectives are actively encouraged, and where systemic barriers are persistently dismantled.

When organizations focus solely on inclusion, they risk reinforcing the very inequities they aim to address. Emphasizing inclusion without actively increasing diversity and ensuring equity upholds existing power dynamics and leaves the status quo unchallenged. This approach perpetuates the harmful expectation that marginalized groups must assimilate into the dominant culture, rather than having their unique perspectives genuinely valued and celebrated.

As passionate and invested practitioners in organizational culture and climate, we at DAS & Associates urge companies to resist the temptation to reframe DEI as mere Inclusion. Instead, we call for a robust reaffirmation of our commitment to all three pillars. Companies must take decisive action to increase diversity at every level, from entry-level positions to top leadership roles. They must boldly examine their policies, practices, and systems to identify and eliminate barriers to equity. Only then can true inclusion emerge – not as a superficial, feel-good measure, but as the natural result of a workplace where everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed and thrive.

In conclusion, the shift towards prioritizing Inclusion threatens to undermine the DEI movement’s core purpose. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are not interchangeable or optional – they are interdependent and indispensable pillars that must stand together, unwavering in their purpose. As we progress, let us reaffirm our unwavering commitment to all three elements of DEI. We must diligently strive to cultivate workplace cultures that are not only welcoming and comfortable but genuinely equitable and just for everyone. Let us rise together to uphold these principles, ensuring our collective efforts lead to a brighter, fairer future for all.

“Diversity is about all of us, and about us having to figure out how to walk through this world together.” — Jacqueline Woodson, American Writer

Is now the time for bold action, or will we settle for half-measures and empty promises? The choice is clear – let’s choose bold action.