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• DEI
  DEI

  abbreviation

  diversity, equity, and inclusion: a conceptual framework that promotes the fair treatment and full participation of all people, especially in the workplace, including populations who have historically been underrepresented or subject to discrimination because of their background, identity, disability, etc.
• D.E.I.
  D.E.I.

  abbreviation

  Dutch East Indies.

DEI

¹ American  

Also DE&I

abbreviation

1. diversity, equity, and inclusion: a conceptual framework that promotes the fair treatment and full participation of all people, especially in the workplace, including populations who have historically been underrepresented or subject to discrimination because of their background, identity, disability, etc.

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D.E.I. ² American  

abbreviation

1. Dutch East Indies.

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Usage

What does DEI stand for? DEI stands for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. The term is mainly used in the context of initiatives that aim to improve and maintain the level of diversity, inclusion, and equity in organizations, especially in workplaces and educational settings. Though these three words are all related and can overlap, they are meant to indicate different values and goals. DiversityIn the context of DEI, the word diversity refers to the involvement of individuals with many different identities and backgrounds. This includes all the ways people’s identities can be different, including gender, age, skin color, ethnicity, sexuality, religion, national origin, disability, and neurodivergence, among other things. One goal of many organization’s DEI initiatives is to have a level of diversity that is proportionally representative of the general population where it operates. For this reason, the word representation is sometimes contrasted with diversity (because an organization can be diverse without necessarily being representative). EquityThe word equity refers to equitable treatment and conditions—those that allow people to engage and participate in equal ways. In a broader context, a distinction is often made between equity and equality. Just because conditions are the same (equal) for everyone, does not mean they are equitable. For example, all the employees of a company may have access to the same resources, but if an employee with a disability is not provided with the accommodations that allow for them to fully participate, they are not receiving equitable treatment. In this way, true equity is thought to be measured by the fairness of the results and outcomes that it produces. InclusionThe word inclusion refers to the practice of including all members of a group or organization in the activities of that group or organization, and maintaining an environment and culture that makes them feel welcome. Inclusion efforts are especially intended to support people who are frequently underrepresented, excluded, or discriminated against. The idea behind inclusion is that such people shouldn’t just be recruited or hired, they must be supported in a way that allows them to be involved to the same extent as everyone else in the group. Of course, this overlaps with equity. Many companies have DEI departments, committees, or programs devoted to such initiatives, though they are sometimes known by different names. The term DEI was preceded by DI and D&I (for Diversity and Inclusion), and these abbreviations are also still used. Some organizations use the term JEDI, which adds the word justice to the other three. DEI is sometimes written (or pronounced) as DE&I. DEI is most commonly used as a modifier in other terms, such as DEI committee and DEI initiatives. Example: I joined my company’s DEI committee because I want to support our efforts to recruit and retain diverse talent.

Etymology

Origin of DEI

First recorded in 2015–20

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

DEI D.E.I.

They looked at who added DEI language, when they did so and whether they later deleted it.

From MarketWatch ● Nov. 3, 2026

Stacey Abrams: I structure my thinking about this around DEI.

From Slate ● Nov. 3, 2026

And, like the ABA, the APA temporarily suspended its DEI standards in 2025.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 3, 2026

In a statement announcing the proposal, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent suggested that even policies that are no longer under the banner of DEI could be targeted.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 3, 2026

“So that’s of course why they’re connecting it to DEI because it is a good thing for marginalized people.”

From Salon ● Aug. 27, 2026

At the University of Tennessee, the campus D.E.I. program is now called the Division of Access and Engagement.

From New York Times ● Apr. 12, 2024

“The pessimists say, ‘This is a terrible moment for D.E.I.,

From New York Times ● Jan. 22, 2024

Mr. Bhabha, a partner at Jenner & Block and a chairman of the firm’s D.E.I.

From New York Times ● Jan. 22, 2024

But some D.E.I. leaders say that attention and investment since then have not been sustained.

From New York Times ● Jan. 22, 2024

At recent conferences he has attended, Dr. Dobbin added, corporate leaders have discussed how to approach D.E.I. “in a less in-your-face way.”

From New York Times ● Jan. 22, 2024

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