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"Why Moving Away from DEI is a Step Backward for All of Us" ???

Let me be clear: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) isn't just a buzzword—it's a pathway to creating workplaces that reflect the best of who we are as people. ???? In a recent conversation, Dr. Avis Jones-DeWeever laid out some hard truths about what happens when we move away from these efforts. It’s not just a policy change; it’s a shift that hurts everyone. Here’s what she shared:

The Issues at Stake

1?? A Divided Workplace: Without DEI, teams become less connected, collaboration suffers, and trust erodes. ?? 2?? Stifled Innovation: When everyone looks and thinks the same, creativity dries up. Diverse voices bring fresh ideas, and we need them. ?? 3?? Economic Inequities Persist: Moving away from DEI perpetuates the disparities that hold too many people back. Let’s not go backward. ?? 4?? Stereotypes Go Unchallenged: Without conscious inclusion, harmful biases stick around, damaging morale and progress. ?? 5?? Global Relevance is Lost: The world is watching. Companies that don’t embrace diversity struggle to compete in a global market. ??

The Historical Context

In her video Dr. Avis also reminded us of the long fight for equity and inclusion in the workplace. Here's a timeline of pivotal moments she highlighted:

1964: The Civil Rights Act was passed, outlawing discrimination in employment based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. This was a monumental step forward for workplace equity.

1972: Title IX expanded protections against gender discrimination in education, paving the way for more women to enter higher education and the workforce.

1987: The term "glass ceiling" was coined, highlighting the invisible barriers women and minorities face when advancing to leadership roles.

1990: The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was enacted, ensuring equal opportunities for individuals with disabilities in employment and public spaces.

2020: The murder of George Floyd reignited global calls for racial equity, leading many organizations to finally confront systemic racism and commit to DEI initiatives.

2023-2024: A troubling trend emerges: some organizations are pulling back on their DEI efforts, threatening decades of progress.

Dr. Avis’s Solutions

So, what can we do? Dr. Avis offered some powerful steps forward: ? Make DEI a Priority at Every Level: From entry-level roles to leadership, everyone should feel included and valued. ? Commit to Real Training: Don’t just check a box. Educate employees to understand and embrace the importance of DEI. ?? ? Encourage Honest Conversations: Create spaces where people can talk openly about diversity, equity, and inclusion. ? Set Goals and Stay Accountable: Progress doesn’t happen without intention. Measure it, refine it, and keep moving forward. ?? ? Lead by Example: Leaders, it starts with you. Show the way with your actions, not just your words.

The truth is, DEI is the bridge to a stronger, more compassionate world. Walking away from it risks undoing all the hard-won progress of those who came before us.

Let’s keep pushing forward together—because when we lift each other up, we all rise. ????

#DEI #Leadership #EquityAndInclusion #TogetherWeThrive #KeepRising

?? Watch Dr. Avis’s full discussion here: Link