I had a call with a prospective client yesterday.
They asked about our commitment to DEI in the current political landscape.
I told them this:
“The only things I am changing about our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are to stop using the acronym and to be louder about our commitment to living the values it represents.”
Bigots have appropriated the “DEI” acronym to hide behind it as a perceived negative. When one leverages the actual words the acronym represents, it makes it way harder to hide behind.
When you hear: “That’s a DEI hire.” “DEI needs to go.” “DEI is bad.”
Respond with, “Really? What part of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion do you oppose?”
Embrace our differences. Diversity is healthy (for ecosystems and cultures). Equity is just. Inclusion is love.
Now’s not the time to go quiet—it’s time to go deeper. If you’re looking to build a brand or workplace grounded in real values like diversity, equity, and inclusion, drop us a line. We’d be honored to stand with you.
