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Explore Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Welcome to Explore Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), our resource guide with comprehensive diversity, equity, and inclusion readings, tools, and other resources. This toolkit covers many of the fundamentals and dimensions of diversity, equity, and inclusion to help guide you on your paths toward allyship and understanding, and provide background on historical and current events in the modern American cultural context.
What is Diversity?
The concept of diversity encompasses acceptance and respect. Diversity is the quality of being different or unique at the individual or group level. These differences can be along the dimensions of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, age, physical abilities, religious beliefs, political beliefs, etc.
What is Equity?
Equity is the pledge of fair treatment, opportunity and advancement while striving to identify and eliminate barriers.
What is Inclusion?
Inclusion is an outcome to ensure that those that are from all backgrounds actually feel and are welcomed. Inclusion is the act of bringing together and harnessing differences in a way that is beneficial and creates a sense of belonging. (For a wonderful introduction to the concept of inclusion, check out this video.)
Dimensions of Diversity
There are many aspects to our identities. In 1990, Marilyn Loden and Judy Rosener developed the Diversity Wheel, a framework for the various different dimensions of diversity within individuals and institutions.
The Diversity Wheel is now used to encourage thinking about values, beliefs, and dimensions of identity for people and organizations in a more interconnected way. The YMCA shared that, “to truly be inclusive and welcoming to all, it is critical to understand the many factors that make up and influence a person’s individuality. If we hold too narrow a view of what constitutes diversity, we will miss opportunities to effectively engage, connect, and serve all members of our communities.” We encourage you to explore our resources in each Dimension of Diversity below to learn more about DEI as you start your journeys toward allyship!
DEI Resources
What Is DEI
What is DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion)
By Brazen
Learn all about Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and what these terms mean within the greater context of your organization.
Defining diversity, equity and inclusion
By University of Michigan
Overview from the University of Michigan on the basic principles of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
Element of Inclusion
By Dr Jonathan Ashong-Lamptey
Jonathan Ashong-Lamptey, speaker, author, and “inclusion protagonist” shares insights into creating an inclusive organization where everyone performs and everyone belongs.
Dimensions of Diversity & Identity
By American Association of University Women
Explore this Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Toolkit from the American Association of University of University Women (AAUW) to learn more about the Dimensions of Diversity & Identity
Age
1a : the time of life at which some particular qualification, power, or capacity arises or rests
b : one of the stages of life
c : the length of an existence extending from the beginning to any given time
d : lifetime
e : an advanced stage of life
Let’s End Ageism
By Ashton Applewhite
In this powerful TED Talk, author Ashton Applewhite urges us to dismantle the dread and mobilize against the last socially acceptable prejudice.
I’m Not Done: It’s Time to Talk About Ageism in the Workplace
By Patti Temple
When it comes to discrimination in the workplace, we’ve come a long way as a society. But there’s still one systemically ignored form of discrimination that happens all the time, and it affects everyone: ageism. Patti’s story creates a powerful declaration and a movement to stop this last remnant of workplace discrimination in its tracks.
Ageist
AGEIST is a media company dedicated to championing the vitality, influence and contributions of the modern 50-plus demographic, and an agency that advises businesses, brands and organizations on emerging trends and how to better understand, speak to and engage this important and growing segment
Ageism: The Accepted ‘ism’ in the Workplace
By Don’t Call It Small…Business
In this episode of the Don’t Call It Small…Business Podcast, the featured topic is the history, evolution, and destructive nature of ageism (also known as age discrimination) in the workplace. This episode touches on the discrimination of younger workers and the bridges, ladders, and leveraged opportunities that have better positioned younger people to be catapulted into career positions.
Understanding Today’s Multigenerational Workforce
By AIHR Digital
Race
1: any one of the groups that humans are often divided into based on physical traits regarded as common among people of shared ancestry
Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man
By Emmanuel Acho
Following the death of George Floyd, speaker Emmanuel Acho knew that he had to do something. So he did what he does best – talk to people. Acho sits down to have an “uncomfortable conversation” with white America, in order to educate and inform on racism, system racism, social injustice, rioting & the hurt Black people are feeling today.
We Are Meaningful
By Crystle & Krysta
In this podcast series, hosts Crystal and Krysta transform the anonymous experiences of black and brown talent into powerful audio narratives. Each month we center the dialogue around a common theme – providing you, their listeners, with tools and resources that will help you navigate, grow, and thrive in corporate spaces.
Code Switch
By NPR
What’s Code Switch? It’s the fearless conversations about race that you’ve been waiting for. Hosted by journalists of color, this podcast tackles the subject of race with empathy and humor. They explore how race affects every part of society — from politics and pop culture to history, food and everything in between. This podcast makes all of us part of the conversation — because we’re all part of the story. Code Switch was named Apple Podcasts’ first-ever Show of the Year in 2020.
Greenlining: Moving Our Country Forward
The Greenlining Institute works toward a future when communities of color can build wealth, live in healthy places filled with economic opportunity, and are ready to meet the challenges posed by climate change.
Talking About Race: National Museum of African American History and Culture
By Smithsonian
Talking about race is not easy, although hard, it is necessary. The National Museum of African American History & Culture is here to provide tools and guidance to empower your journey and inspire conversation.
How to Be Antiracist
By Ibram Kendi
From the National Book Award-winning author of Stamped from the Beginning comes a refreshing approach that will radically reorient America on the urgent issues of race, justice, and equality.
How the Word Is Passed: A Reckoning with the History of Slavery Across America
By Clint Smith
Beginning in his hometown of New Orleans, Clint Smith leads the reader on an unforgettable tour of monuments and landmarks—those that are honest about the past and those that are not—that offer an intergenerational story of how slavery has been central in shaping our nation’s collective history, and ourselves.
Gender & Gender Identity
Definition of gender
1b : the behavioral, cultural, or psychological traits typically associated with one sex.
Definition of gender identity
1 : a person’s internal sense of being male, female, some combination of male and female, or neither male nor female.
Catalyst: Workplaces That Work for Women
Founded in 1962, Catalyst drives change with preeminent thought leadership, actionable solutions and a galvanized community of multinational corporations to accelerate and advance women into leadership—because progress for women is progress for everyone.
If There’s Only One Woman in Your Candidate Pool, There’s Statistically No Chance She’ll Be Hired
By Stefanie K. Johnson, David R. Hekman, and Elsa T. Chan
Harvard Business Review tackles the importance of addressing unconscious bias in corporate hiring and recruitment to address representation
Being an Ally, Part 1: How Men Can Advocate for Women
By The Fairer Cents: Women, Money and the Fight to Get Equal
In this episode of The Fairer Cents Podcast series, hosts Kara Perez and Tanja Hester explain how we can be the best possible financial allies to those around us, whether that’s online or offline.
The Memo: What Women of Color Need to Know to Secure a Seat at the Table
By Minda Harts
Most business books provide a one-size-fits-all approach to career advice that overlooks the unique barriers that women of color face. In The Memo, Minda Harts offers a much-needed career guide tailored specifically for women of color.
Gender discrimination comes in many forms for today’s working women
By Kim Parker and Cary Funk
Overview from Pew Research group on the many forms of gender discrimination for today’s working women
Everyday Sexism
By Laura Bates
Most women experience sexism and harassment on a regular basis—daily acts that are often ignored. With her Everyday Sexism Project, writer Laura Bates talks about her inspiring initiative, The Everyday Sexism Project, an ever-increasing collection of over 50,000 women’s experiences of gender imbalance. The stories come from women of all ages, races and sexual orientations, disabled and non-disabled, employed and unemployed, religious and non-religious.
Creating a Trans-Inclusive Workplace
By Christian N. Thoroughgood, Katina Sawyer, and Jennica R. Webster
This Harvard Business Review article talks about how one can more effectively attract, retain, and promote the health and success of trans workers.Interviews with and surveys of more than 1,000 trans people over the past six years reveal four key areas of intervention that can cultivate a more trans-inclusive workplace: (1) basic signs of trans inclusivity involving bathroom use, dress codes, and pronouns; (2) effective support for gender transitions; (3) trans-specific diversity training; and (4) interventions to build resiliency.
Being transgender at work
By McKinsey Quarterly
This is an in-depth article that speaks about the lived experience of transgender employees in corporate America. It looks into the long road ahead to foster a truly inclusive environment for transgender employees.
The Importance of Gender-Inclusive Housing
By Greta Pano
Gender-inclusive housing is becoming available at more colleges and universities. Learn about the importance of this type of housing and who can access it.
What You Need to Know About Gender-inclusive Housing
By Oakland University Housing
This short video shares an overview of the definition and benefits of gender-inclusive housing from Oakland University.
Transgender Inclusion in the Workplace: Recommended Policies and Practices
By the HRC Foundation
This comprehensive resource guide from the Human Rights Campaign shares great information on how to create inclusive workplaces for Trans-identifying employees.
Model Transgender Employment Policy
By the Transgender Law Center
Check out The Transgender Law Center’s model policy and guide that will clarify the law and help your company welcome and include transgender, gender non-conforming, and transitioning employees. The guide includes a sample policy that your company can use as the basis for creating your own inclusive policy to ensure transgender, gender non-conforming, and transitioning employees feel safe and welcome in your workplace.
Sexual Orientation
a person’s sexual identity or self-identification as bisexual, heterosexual, homosexual, pansexual etc.
DEI Toolkit: Sexual Orientation
By American Association of University Women
Resources from the American Association of University Women on basic concepts and definitions of Sexual Orientation.
Fifty Shades of Gay
By iO Tillet Wright
Photographer iO Tillett Wright grew up between genders and sexualities. She’s shot 2,000 people who consider themselves somewhere on the LBGTQ spectrum and asked many: can they assign a percentage to how gay or straight they are? Most people consider themselves to exist in the grey areas of sexuality, which presents a real problem when it comes to discrimination. Because where do you draw the line?
A Guide To Gender Identity Terms
By NPR
Issues of equality and acceptance of transgender and nonbinary people — along with challenges to their rights — have become a major topic in the headlines. These issues can involve words and ideas and identities that are new to some. That’s why NPR put together a glossary of terms relating to gender identity. Their goal is to help people communicate accurately and respectfully with one another.
Mental Health
60 Digital Resources for Mental Health
By Social Work License Map
Mental health is an undeniably important matter, yet most people don’t have access to the resources they need when they need help. At Social Work License Map, they have compiled a comprehensive list of resources for anyone seeking information about and/or help for a range of mental health issues.
Psychology Today Blog
By Psychology Today
Psychology Today is the world’s largest mental health and behavioral science destination online. Check out this blog index for a wide range of informative blogs and articles on topics related to mental health by scholars, researchers, experts from around the world.
Speak (Short Film on Mental Health)
By Sunway Group
One in four people in the world will be affected by mental or neurological disorders at some point in their lives, according to the World Health Organization. This powerful video was created to help end the stigma surrounding mental health, to remind those struggling that they are not alone, and to help start an important conversation.
The Positive Psychology Podcast
By Kristen Truempy
The Positive Psychology Podcast brings the science of the good life to your earbuds. They explore great topics like post-traumatic growth or positive parenting. Subscribe if you want to benefit from the scientific insights into happiness and meaning while you are on the go.
Abilities
1 : the quality or state of being able especially: physical, mental, or legal
Center for Disability Rights
The Center for Disability Rights, Inc. (CDR) is a not-for-profit, community-based advocacy and service organization for people with all types of disabilities.
I’m not your inspiration, thank you very much
By Stella Young
Stella Young is a comedian and journalist who happens to go about her day in a wheelchair — a fact that doesn’t, she’d like to make clear, automatically turn her into a noble inspiration to all humanity. In this very funny talk, Young breaks down society’s habit of turning disabled people into inspiration.
The Accessible Stall
By Kyle & Emily
The Accessible Stall is a disability podcast hosted by Kyle Khachadurian and Emily Ladau that keeps it real about issues within the disability community. Because we each have different disabilities and mobility levels, we approach everything we talk about with two unique viewpoints, offering our listeners a fresh insight into how differences in disability can color your experiences and perspectives.
Religion & Values
1: the service and worship of God or the supernatural
2: commitment or devotion to religious faith or observance
2: a personal set or institutionalized system of religious attitudes, beliefs, and practices
Accommodating Religion, Belief and Spirituality in the Workplace
By SHRM
There are many circumstances when an individual’s religious observances, beliefs and viewpoints enter the workplace. There is a legal framework in which employers must navigate these issues, but also an opportunity to provide a welcoming and inclusive workplace as a major factor in attracting and retaining top talent.
Creating Space for Religious Diversity at Work
By Ali Aslan Gümüsay, Michael Smets, and Tim Morris
Everyday Example: Religion in the Workplace
By Church Newsroom
Some people might think there’s no place for religion at work, but you have protected rights to act on your beliefs. See an example of some do’s and don’ts about what’s acceptable in the office and how to respond when others think differently.
Managers: Are You Prepared to Handle Religion in the Workplace?
By Harvard Business Review
Parental & Family Status
Parent
1a : one that begets or brings forth offspring
b : a person who brings up and cares for another
16 Parenting Podcasts You Shouldn’t Miss Out On
By Sabrina James, Marisa Iallonardo, and Melissa Mills
Appearance
Looks Aren’t Everything. Believe Me, I’m a Model
By Cameron Russell
Cameron Russell admits she won “a genetic lottery”: But don’t judge her by her looks. In this fearless talk, she takes a wry look at the modeling industry and of society’s bias toward appearance.
Attractive People Get Unfair Advantages at Work. AI Can Help.
By Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic
The existence of a beauty premium in the labor market is well-documented. Physically attractive individuals are more likely to be interviewed for jobs and hired, they are more likely to advance rapidly in their careers through frequent promotions, and they earn higher wages than unattractive individuals. Common manifestations of appearance-based discrimination may include bias against obese, oddly-dressed, or tattooed candidates, or any people who don’t fit a society’s dominant aesthetic criteria. In this article, Harvard Business Review exploresAI can be a powerful tool in helping to detect and expose this bias.
New Research Reveals Why ‘Appearance Discrimination’ Is Making Workplaces Even More Toxic
By Marcel Schwantes
More than 1 in 4 employees have experienced discrimination due to their looks. In this article from Inc., learn more about the effects of Appearance-based discrimination in the workplace.
The Harmful Effects of Fat Shaming
By Kris Gunnars
This article from Healthline tells you everything you need to know about fat shaming and its harmful effects.
Socioeconomics
Income
1: a gain or recurrent benefit usually measured in money that derives from capital or labor.
Socioeconomic
1 : of, relating to, or involving a combination of social and economic factors.
Ethnic and Racial Minorities & Socioeconomic Status
By American Psychological Association
Socioeconomic status (SES) encompasses not just income but also educational attainment, financial security, and subjective perceptions of social status and social class. Socioeconomic status can encompass quality of life attributes as well as the opportunities and privileges afforded to people within society. In this overview, learn more about how SES affects our society as a whole.
Racial wealth inequality: Social problems and solutions
By Brookings Institution
The Governance Studies Program at Brookings Institution Panel discussion on the causes, consequences, and policy solutions to the racial wealth gap.
The costs of inequality: Money = quality health care = longer life
By Alvin Powell
Learn more about what Harvard scholars are doing to identify and understand inequality, in seeking solutions to one of America’s most vexing problems.
The New National American Elite
By Michael Lind
Michael Lind is a Professor of Practice at the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs, a columnist for Tablet, and a fellow at New America. He has a master’s degree from Yale and has taught at Harvard, who proposes that America is now ruled by a single elite class rather than by local patrician smart sets competing with each other for money and power.
