Laura Coates Didn't do Enough to Challenge DEI Misconceptions

I was shocked at the blatant ignorance CNN allowed surrounding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in Laura Coates recent segment. Within hours, more than a dozen fellow DEI practitioners, researchers, and experts reached out over text and social media to express their equal shock and dismay.

The discourse surrounding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives has become increasingly contentious in the last four years. The report titled "State Legislation Tracker: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Policies," published by the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), provides a comprehensive overview of legislative actions related to DEI initiatives across different states, documenting trends and changes in policy over time. From state legislatures enacting restrictive laws to corporations slashing DEI programs, there’s a palpable backlash against efforts to foster inclusivity.

Adding to the dismay, our universities are also being hit hard with bans on DEI discussions as demonstrated in the article "The Impact of University Speech Policies on Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives," published in the Journal of Higher Education Policy and Management. The article analyzes the effects of speech policies on DEI initiatives in universities, including instances of bans on discussions related to DEI.

These trends necessitate a concerted effort from DEI practitioners, policymakers, and corporate leaders to confront these misconceptions directly if we are to drive meaningful progress.

Last week’s CNN segment featuring Laura Coates alongside supposed DEI experts Sophia A. Nelson and Coleman Hughes fell short of addressing the origin of DEI, highlighting the pressing need for more nuanced discussions on DEI and its effectiveness.

Conservatives likely found themselves smiling from ear to ear during this segment, as it felt like a Fox News story, full of dangerous and harmful misrepresentations of DEI. The more significant issue is that DEI practitioners who could have offered expertise were absent from the segment.

I work with Fortune 500 companies, nonprofits, and federal agencies to reimagine their DEI efforts and measure the efficacy of their programs. It is common to be met in workshops, presentations, or pitch meetings with backlash, concerns, and a host of questions.?

DEI initiatives are often misconstrued as forms of reverse racism or viewed through a zero-sum lens, where advancing the rights of marginalized groups is perceived as detrimental to others. This couldn't be further from the truth. DEI aims to rectify historical injustices and create environments where everyone has equal opportunities to thrive. It’s about leveling the playing field, not tilting it in favor of one group over another.

This misrepresentation is seen as mere attempts at political correctness or token gestures rather than comprehensive strategies for promoting fairness, equity, and opportunity for all individuals. This misconception can lead to a lack of genuine stakeholder commitment, resulting in surface-level changes that fail to address systemic inequalities. Moreover, it can breed resentment among those who perceive DEI efforts as preferential treatment, hindering collaboration and cohesion within organizations and communities. As a result, the full potential of DEI initiatives to foster innovation, creativity, and organizational effectiveness remains unrealized, perpetuating cycles of exclusion and marginalization.

DEI encompasses a wide array of identities beyond race, including gender, sexual orientation, disability, and more. It's not solely about advancing the rights of Black people but addressing the systemic inequalities that affect various marginalized communities. Recognizing the intersectionality of these identities is essential in crafting comprehensive and effective DEI strategies.

The importance of authentic dialogue through constructive conversations about DEI should transcend ideological divides and focus on understanding its complexities. Navigating these complexities requires a nuanced understanding of power dynamics, cultural competence, and organizational change processes to ensure that DEI initiatives are inclusive, equitable, and sustainable.

While platforms like CNN play a crucial role in shaping public discourse, they could improve by consulting DEI practitioners and researchers to ensure a more informed and nuanced discussion. Media outlets can foster a better understanding of DEI and its implications for societal progress by including diverse voices and perspectives.

Media outlets are responsible for combating misinformation and promoting informed discourse, especially on complex issues like DEI. While it’s expected for outlets like FOX News to perpetuate misconceptions, progressive networks like CNN should strive to provide accurate and balanced coverage. By challenging stereotypes and presenting evidence-based perspectives, the media can help dispel DEI myths and contribute to a more inclusive public dialogue.

One example of a recent news segment that provided fair coverage and shaped public discourse effectively is Dr. Uche Blackstock's appearance on a major news network to discuss racism in healthcare. As a doctor, researcher, and professor, Dr. Blackstock brought a wealth of expertise and evidence-based knowledge to the discussion beyond just lived experience.

During the segment, Dr. Blackstock highlighted research findings and data demonstrating the existence and impact of racism within the healthcare system, including disparities in access to care, quality of care, and health outcomes among marginalized communities. By grounding her arguments in empirical evidence and professional expertise, she helped to contextualize and validate the experiences of individuals who have faced discrimination in healthcare settings. By offering practical solutions and advocating for structural changes, she contributed to the ongoing conversation about how to create a more equitable and inclusive healthcare system.

Neither of the invited guests, Nelson and Huges, are DEI practitioners or researchers. While both may have a lived experience as Black individuals, being a member of historically excluded communities does not make you best equipped to speak on national platforms that have the power to inform public opinion.

The lack of expertise on the stage can cause harm, such as perpetuation of misinformation, failure to address systemic issues, underrepresentation of marginalized voices, missed opportunities for education and advocacy, and diminished trust in media.

Challenging DEI misconceptions is essential for fostering genuine progress toward a more equitable and inclusive society. It's time to prioritize the voices of DEI practitioners and researchers in media discussions, ensuring that informed perspectives drive the conversation forward.

Countless psychology, sociology, and communication science studies have demonstrated the powerful impact of language, messaging, and framing on individual attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors. It is unequivocal that the way we communicate influences actions. Research consistently shows that the words we use, the narratives we construct, and the images we portray can shape perceptions, affect decision-making, and even drive societal change. This segment was a failure of purposeful communication to change minds that might change behavior. Engaging in authentic dialogue and combating misinformation can create a more just and inclusive world for all.