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

By close of business Wednesday, every single diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) office within the federal government will be shut down. —Terina Allen, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025

On the first day of his second term, President Donald Trump signed an executive order eliminating diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs across the federal government. —Melissa Noel, Essence, 22 Jan. 2025

This past year has been fraught with criticism and blatant misrepresentation of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. —Britt Hogue, Baltimore Sun, 22 Jan. 2025

The official pointed to failures in addressing border security threats, challenges in staff recruitment and retention, mismanagement in acquisitions, and an overemphasis on diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives as reasons for her termination. —Kristen Waggoner, Newsweek, 21 Jan. 2025

The billionaire’s post on his social network X referred specifically to a Trump executive order ending federal diversity, equity and inclusion mandates — a longtime bugbear of world’s richest person, who runs six companies and has railed against DEI efforts for years. —Bloomberg, Orange County Register, 21 Jan. 2025

One executive order will direct the U.S. government to recognize only male and female genders, while another will end diversity, equity and inclusion practices. —Jonathan Easley, The Hill, 20 Jan. 2025

President Trump signed an executive order Monday dismantling diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives within the federal government. —Emily Peck, Axios, 20 Jan. 2025

This includes communicating with dignity, addressing conflicts constructively and fostering an inclusive culture that supports the organization's commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. —Sandy Harvey, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

2001, in the meaning defined at sense 1