If I could speak to Charlamagne....The Danger of Uncontextualized DEI Commentary.

Look, I really didn't want to do this. But a few folks reached out for my thoughts after Charlamagne's diatribe on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI).

Since it appears that some non-DEI professionals have gotten comfortable using their platforms to comment on things they don't fully understand, I'll take a small bit of my Friday to comment on what I know.

For context, my thoughts will be in response to this statement by the radio personality, Charlamagne, in the article posted below:

"The truth about DEI is that although it's well-intentioned, it's mostly garbage, okay. It's kinda like the black Little Mermaid—Just because racists hate it, doesn't mean it's good. And you know, I'm right, because every one of you has sat through one of those diversity training sessions and thought this is some bulls***." (Click Here for Full Article)

Before I begin, let me agree with one thing. Yes, as an employee, I have absolutely taken diversity classes that I thought were a waste of my time. It is one of the reasons I became a consultant and trainer. I believe in the material too much to sit back and watch it done ineffectively.

Ok. Here we go. Very often, DEI is considered to be a waste of time to individuals who don't understand what it is and companies that promote it with no structure.

When it comes to DEI education, it is important to understand that diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) are all concepts considered and explored through numerous theories and frameworks. Those theories allow trainers to introduce, teach and provide foundational understanding of said concepts. This is why DEI training is important. It is education that builds awareness and understanding. Just like all restaurants aren't gourmet and all clothing lines aren't couture, not all DEI trainings are quality. Unfortunately, a "fast food" style approach to DEI has attempted to overshadow the work of intentional, skilled and knowledgeable DEI professionals (such as myself) by flooding the market with low-cost, low-quality and low-result programs that allow companies to check the box to seemingly to say they are "committed to diversity". If you follow me at all, you already know my thoughts on intentional DEI (See my previous posts on performative and intentional DEI) So, yes, just like a parent back in the day may have driven past a burger spot and urged you to eat vegetables at home, I (as your intentional DEI consultant) encourage you to not allow "fast food" DEI experiences to sour your appetite for the wealth of impactful information available through a more intentional (and nutritional) DEI meal plan.

With that being said, I would be remiss if I didn't acknowledge that, the work of DEI falls short if it starts and stops with education and awareness. (I know that may sound strange coming from an educator but hang in there with me). Learning DEI concepts is one thing. The application of DEI concepts is another thing. Application requires the creation of actionable mechanisms, policies and procedures that assess, shift and share power in an effort to create equitable environments. This is the harder work. The education of DEI concepts sets the stage. The application of DEI concepts requires stated goals and accountability. Both are needed to initiate and sustain equitable change. Please keep this in mind and stand in defense of intentional DEI when faced with disparaging comments that attack the entire field of DEI.

If ever given the opportunity to speak with Charlamagne, I would say this: "If you participated in a weak or bad DEI training, say that. But don't do a disservice to the field or dismiss the great contributions of the field by calling most DEI trainings garbage. Yes, hold DEI accountable. But don't add uncontextualized commentary to the fodder that feeds on-going attacks on DEI; fodder often entrenched in bigotry. And on a final and much less consequential note, some of us enjoyed the 2023 adaptation of the Little Mermaid. Now go eat your vegetables."

Have a great weekend!