diversity, equity and inclusion

noun

variants or less commonly diversity, equity, and inclusion

1

: a set of values and related policies and practices focused on establishing a group culture of equitable and inclusive treatment and on attracting and retaining a diverse group of participants, including people who have historically been excluded or discriminated against

Through our continued focus on diversity, equity and inclusion, we are increasing the number of female attorneys, people of color, and members of the LGBTQ+ community in the leadership pipeline.

—Phillip G. Hampton, II, quoted in The Madison-St. Clair (Illinois) Record

… we strongly believe in diversity, equity, and inclusion and take many steps toward promoting this through mentoring, internship programs and ensuring equity in pay and opportunity …

—Jonathan Garcia, quoted in The San Antonio (Texas) Business Journal

This means we practice diversity, equity and inclusion in all we do. It includes investing in our people and creating a culture of care.

—Lisa Toppin

—often used before another noun

Virtually every university, government agency and major corporation has embraced some type of diversity, equity and inclusion policies … to ostensibly promote a more open, equitable and, well, inclusive workplace.

—Orange County (California) Register

The legal battle comes amid a string of attacks against diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs in corporate America, schools and higher education in recent months.

—Niquel Terry Ellis

—abbreviation DEI

2

: the state of having a diverse group of participants as well as policies and norms that are equitable and inclusive

Whether within a company or in the community, achieving diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) is a journey and a job that is far from done.

—David M. Velazquez and Laron Evans

—abbreviation DEI

Examples of diversity, equity and inclusion in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

But the legislation includes language that Democrats are already objecting to, including restrictions on coverage of gender-affirming care for transgender children of service members and a provision aimed at curtailing diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs within the military. —Brad Dress, The Hill, 9 Dec. 2024

Such policies are commonly known as diversity, equity and inclusion, or DEI. —Mike Spector, USA TODAY, 6 Dec. 2024

David Ryder | Reuters A federal judge rejected Boeing’s plea deal tied to two crashes of its 737 Max aircraft, citing concerns with the Justice Department’s diversity, equity and inclusion policies. —Michele Luhn, CNBC, 6 Dec. 2024

The move comes as President-elect Donald Trump's incoming administration is sure to make dismantling diversity, equity and inclusion programs a priority. —Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 2 Dec. 2024

The move comes as the incoming Trump administration is expected to limit diversity, equity and inclusion programs. —Louis Casiano, Fox News, 2 Dec. 2024

The community college system, the California State University system, and the UC Office of the President all have policies promoting diversity, equity and inclusion on their campuses, though each system has taken a different approach. —Calmatters, The Mercury News, 2 Dec. 2024

By Maria Gracia Santillana Linares, Forbes Staff President-elect Donald Trump and his appointees are promising a war against woke, with employer diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts among their targets. —Maria Gracia Santillana Linares, Forbes, 2 Dec. 2024

Practicing diversity, equity and inclusion can help to strengthen a company and set a positive example for others. —Natalie Boehm, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

2001, in the meaning defined at sense 1