DEI: What is it and why does it matter?
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) has made headlines recently. The new administration has denounced diversity and inclusion policies, a controversial move which has divided consumers, leading to boycotts of major retailers. Some companies remain committed to DEI, while others decided to cut back or drop it altogether. So what is DEI and why does it matter to employees, companies and consumers?
What is DEI?
In the United States, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs seek to promote fair treatment of individuals that have historically experienced discrimination. DEI frameworks within organizations ensure that potential and current employees are given the same considerations and opportunities no matter their gender, race, ethnicity, religion or sexual orientation. It also protects those with disabilities and veterans. DEI may be incorporated into training, hiring and employee guidelines. In college and universities, it focuses on recruitment and retention.
Who Benefits from DEI?
Most individuals could potentially benefit from diversity and inclusion policies. Those in minority groups, including women, veterans and those with disabilities, have benefited by diversity and inclusion programs. First generation college students also have greatly benefited from diversity and inclusion policies. Conscious and subconscious biases can lead hiring managers and other leaders to exclude individuals from roles and opportunities. DEI programs help ensure that discrimination doesn’t hinder individuals from receiving fair treatment due to their status. Although some have questioned the effectiveness of DEI, especially in STEM professions where there is still a high rate of white males.
Why is it Controversial?
DEI is controversial for several reasons. Opponents argue that hiring and college admissions should be based on merit alone. Hiring or admissions quotas, requiring hiring or accepting a certain percentage from underrepresented groups, may be viewed as unfair to those not in those groups. But others point to the history of discrimination in hiring and college admissions. “Some view it as giving something to another group based on status. However, that is ignoring the impact of years of segregation and legacy admissions that have occurred throughout this country” says Derrick Shapley, professor of sociology at Montevallo University.
Which companies have cut back or dropped DEI?
Some of many major corporations have rolled back or dropped DEI: Wal-Mart, Target, McDonalds, Google, Pepsi, Comcast, and Disney. Due to the amount of companies changing DEI policies or abandoning them, it’s clear that the current administration aims to penalize companies that aren’t willing to back down. However, some companies are holding strong, including Costco, whose board said it “believes that our commitment to an enterprise rooted in respect and inclusion is appropriate and necessary.” Other companies committed to DEI include Apple, Starbucks, Delta Airlines, and Microsoft.
How can employees and consumers track a company’s status?
If you’re an employee, job seeker, or consumer wanting to learn company’s status, check with the corporation’s website and social media. Most companies will post about their commitment in a statement in their about section or in social media posts. Create news alerts for a company name to find the latest, including information about their diversity and inclusion program status.
Sources:
https://time.com/7261857/us-companies-keep-dei-initiatives-list-trump-diversity-order-crackdown/