DEI

¹

Also DE&I
Also

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.

D.E.I.

²

abbreviation

1. Dutch East Indies.

Word History and Origins

Origin of DEI¹

First recorded in 2015–20

Example Sentences

Starbuck, the driving force behind online campaigns to end diversity, equity and inclusion programs, has prompted companies including Walmart, Harley-Davidson and Tractor Supply to abandon or dial back their DEI efforts.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

His status as a headline guest for an industry that has for years made DEI policies in Corporate America a central plank of its platform is a sign of just how quickly companies have reversed course on those practices.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Some cited the invitation to Starbuck as another sign of what they view as SHRM’s backpedaling on DEI in response to growing pushback on the programs.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Many legal teams inside companies assumed that once affirmative action was upended, they could face legal challenges to their internal DEI initiatives, many of which were put in place or augmented in recent years.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Is there a business case to be made for corporate DEI policies?

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

When To Use

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.