The New Diversity & Equity Equation

The norms and values characterizing diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) efforts for decades are now being eroded by stronger calls of action to actually fulfill their promises. As racial inequities come into further relief due to a spotlight on policing and the COVID-19 pandemic, communities most impacted these issues (Black, Indigenous and People of Color) now demand that institutions take a stronger stance and be more intentional about being anti-racist.

The emphasis on explicitly addressing institutional racism is a departure from the broader spectrum of DEIB that included a host of dimensions (e.g. gender, ethnicity, religion, class and more). Although the subtext of DEIB has always been to address racism, the heat of recent events has melted the facade covering many organizations’ lackluster performance in this area as proven by scant diversity in employee ranks and executive leadership, continual reports of racially unwelcoming environments, and business practices that essentially steal cultural capital and shut out historically marginalized groups.

Those most impacted by racism are demanding better with the following message to organizations: you are no match for our unwavering determination to obtain equity and we are able to set ablaze a paradigm shift that will leave you burned if you do not do better. As such, if organizations truly want to dedicate themselves to dismantling racism, they must prepare themselves for more serious work and dedication that will require a paradigm shift.