Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Source: www.pexels.com

By Sam Piha

“Donald Trump kicked off the campaign to abolish diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives during his first term. Now he's back in the Oval Office to finish the job. During an address Tuesday night before a joint session of Congress, the president claimed his administration had eliminated DEI. Just hours after he took the oath of office on Jan. 20, Trump began issuing executive orders to dismantle programs, put pressure on federal contractors to end “illegal DEI discrimination” and direct federal agencies to draw up lists of private companies that could be investigated for their DEI policies.” [i]

There is a lot of confusion around this attack on DEI. This blog seeks to clarify some of the misunderstandings about DEI, its history and the importance of DEI in youth programs. 

TERMS & DEFINITIONS

DEI: “This stands for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, is a framework that promotes fair treatment and full participation of all people, especially those who have historically been underrepresented or discriminated against, by fostering a respectful and inclusive environment.” [ii] 

DEI Hire: "’Diversity hire’, ‘equity hire’, or ‘DEI hire’, are disparaging and controversial labels for persons from underrepresented groups, which are, according to this label, assumed to be less qualified and have supposedly received preferential treatment due to DEI policies.” [iii] 

“The 'DEI hire' label was recently applied by President Trump in his comments on the tragic plane crash at Reagan National Airport. Trump claimed, without citing evidence, that DEI policies and programs mandated for air traffic controllers at the Federal Aviation Administration were partly to blame for the tragic plane and helicopter collision. Trump’s comments appear to have been a criticism of the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) DEI policy of welcoming disabled persons to apply for FAA air traffic control positions.” [iv]

Diversity: Recognizing and valuing the unique characteristics of individuals, including race, ethnicity, gender, ability, socioeconomic status, and other differences. 

Equity: Ensuring that all youth have access to the resources and opportunities they need to succeed, regardless of their background or circumstances. 

Executive Order: “An executive order is a signed, written, and published directive from the President of the United States that manages operations of the federal government. They are numbered consecutively, so executive orders may be referenced by their assigned number, or their topic. Executive orders are not legislation; they require no approval from Congress, and Congress cannot simply overturn them. Congress may pass legislation that might make it difficult, or even impossible, to carry out the order, such as removing funding. Only a sitting U.S. President may overturn an existing executive order by issuing another executive order to that effect.” [v] 

Inclusion: Creating a sense of belonging and making sure that all youth feel valued, respected, and empowered to participate fully in the program. 

Meritocracy: “Is the notion of a political system in which economic goods or political power are vested in individual people based on ability and talent, rather than wealth or social class. Advancement in such a system is based on performance, as measured through examination or demonstrated achievement.” [vi] 

Woke: “The definition of ‘woke’ changes depending on who you ask. The term has recently been used by some conservatives as an umbrella term for progressive values, often using it with negative connotations. However, the term was originally coined by progressive Black Americans and used in racial justice movements in the early to mid-1900s.” [vii]

THE HISTORY OF DEI


According to DiversityResources.com, “The history of DEI in the workplace has been marred by racial discrimination, making it difficult for everyone to feel included, as equality wasn’t always part of the equation. A significant turning point in the history of DEI came with the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which made discrimination in the hiring and promotion process illegal. This was the first of many steps toward creating a more equitable workplace. Following the Civil Rights Movement, the concepts of equality and inclusiveness gained traction and became central to the history of DEI. Advocates began promoting the idea that everyone deserves to be treated with the same respect and opportunities as others.” [viii]  

Below is a video produced by PBS News Hour on the history of diversity, equity and inclusion efforts in America. To view this video, click here.

Source: PBS News Hour

DEI IN YOUTH PROGRAMS 

In youth programs, DEI focuses on creating inclusive environments that value and celebrate diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, ensuring equitable access to opportunities and resources for all participants. 

Here's a more detailed breakdown of DEI in youth programs:

• “The program actively recruits and hires staff that reflects the community of the students served.
• The program states its explicit commitment to diversity and equity in its outreach materials and/or policies. 
• The program is aware of and seeks information and strategies to support all participant needs. 
• The program creates a welcoming environment by representing the diversity of the participants through program materials, displays, etc.  
• The program implements a plan that outreaches to all students at the school site. 
• The program celebrates diversity related to participants’ race, color, religion, sex, age, income level, national origin, physical ability, sexual orientation, and/or gender identity and expression. Staff participate in on-going diversity and sensitivity training. 
• Staff adapt activities to accommodate the physical and developmental abilities of all participants, and actively encourage their participation in the program. 
• Participants and staff are comfortable sharing, and are given opportunities to share, from their diverse experiences and backgrounds.” [ix] 

WHY DEI MATTERS IN YOUTH PROGRAMS

Diversity, Access and Equity is integral to afterschool programming. In fact, it is a quality standard for expanded learning programs in California. This standard reads, “The program creates an environment in which students experience values that embrace diversity and equity regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, income level, national origin, physical ability, sexual orientation and/or gender identity and expression. Diversity, access, and equity in action.” [x] 

Program Benefits
According to Google AI, program benefits of DEI include:

• “Promotes a positive and supportive environment: DEI initiatives help create a safe and inclusive space where youth feel comfortable being themselves and participating fully. 
• Enhances learning and development: Exposure to diverse perspectives and experiences can broaden horizons, foster empathy, and promote critical thinking skills. 
• Prepares youth for a diverse world: By learning to work with and appreciate people from different backgrounds, youth are better equipped to navigate a diverse and complex world. 
• Builds stronger communities: DEI in youth programs can help foster stronger relationships between youth, families, and communities. 
• Improves program effectiveness: When programs are inclusive and equitable, they are more likely to reach and engage a wider range of youth, leading to better outcomes. 

Examples of DEI in Youth Programs:

• Recruitment and Retention: Actively recruiting youth from diverse backgrounds and implementing strategies to ensure their retention in the program. 
• Curriculum and Activities: Ensuring that program activities and materials are inclusive and relevant to the diverse needs and interests of the youth. 
• Staff Training: Providing staff with training on DEI principles and best practices to help them create a more inclusive environment. 
• Parent/Guardian Involvement: Engaging parents and guardians in DEI initiatives to ensure that they are aware of the program's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. 
• Accessibility: Making sure that programs are accessible to youth with disabilities and other special needs. 
• Language Access: Providing language services to youth who are not proficient in the primary language of the program.” [xi]  

BE HEARD BY COMPANIES THAT HAVE BACKED AWAY FROM DEI

Some companies under pressure canceled DEI programs altogether to align themselves with the Trump administration. If you wish to express your disapproval or approval, these companies are shown in the chart below. If you wish to write them, you can find their addresses here.

Source: Yahoo Finance

For a full briefing paper on diversity, equity & inclusion, click here.

END NOTES:

[i] Jessica Guynn, DEI explained: What is DEI and why is it so divisive? What you need to know.
[ii] Google AI, What is DEI?
[iii] Wikipedia, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
[iv] Jessica Guynn, DEI explained: What is DEI and why is it so divisive? What you need to know.
[v] American Bar Association, What is an Executive Order?
[vi] Wikipedia, Meritocracy
[vii] Kiara Alfonseca, What does 'woke' mean and why are some conservatives using it?
[viii] Kendal Roney, The History of DEI
[ix] Unknown
[x] California Afterschool Network & The California Department of Education, Quality Standards for Expanded Learning in California
[xi] Google AI, DEI in Youth Programs