# Diversity, equity, and inclusion *Organizational frameworks for fair treatment and full participation; concept article drawn from a single cached Wikipedia revision.* Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), called equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in the United Kingdom, names a set of organizational frameworks. Their stated aim is fair treatment and full participation for everyone. They give particular attention to groups that have been underrepresented, marginalized, or discriminated against on grounds of identity or disability.[^1] Organizations treat the three notions as "three closely linked values" and try to embed them through such frameworks.[^1] In this usage, diversity means variety within a workforce across characteristics such as race, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, age, politics, culture, class, veteran status, or religion. Equity refers to fairness and justice, including fair compensation and substantive equality. Inclusion refers to an organizational culture in which "all employees feel their voices will be heard".[^2] DEI is most associated with non-elected government bodies and corporations. Its programs also operate in charities, schools, and hospitals, and they commonly include diversity training.[^3] The frameworks have drawn criticism on three grounds: the effectiveness of their tools, their effect on free speech and academic freedom, and wider political and philosophical objections.[^4] ## Other terminology and extensions An expanded form adds accessibility: "diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility", abbreviated DEIA, IDEA, or DEAI.[^5] The underlying ideas are older than the label. Variants add terms such as belonging or justice: "inclusion and diversity" (I&D), "diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging" (DEIB), and "justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion" (JEDI or EDIJ).[^5] British usage of "equality, diversity, and inclusion" (EDI) is comparable.[^5] ## History in the United States ### Early history The source traces early DEI measures to 1865. In that year, veterans of the US Civil War and their widows and orphans received preference in hiring and treatment. An 1876 amendment extended veterans' preference to reductions in force.[^6] Executive orders issued in 1921 and 1929 by presidents Coolidge and Harding set a ten-point preference for veterans on federal examinations and hiring criteria.[^6] The Veterans' Preference Act of 1944 codified those orders, clarified the criteria, and added special hiring provisions for disabled veterans. Later amendments covered veterans of post–World War II conflicts, mothers of disabled or deceased veterans, and job-specific training.[^7] President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Randolph–Sheppard Act in 1936. It required the federal government to prefer products made by blind people when making purchases, and it created a Committee on Purchases of Blind Made Products.[^8] The Javits–Wagner–O'Day Act of 1971 broadened that program. It renamed the body The Committee for Purchase from People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled, known today as AbilityOne. Blind-made products, sold under brands including Skillcraft, are used across the federal government.[^8] The source also lists [[Affirmative action]] among DEI policies. The legal term first appears in Executive Order 10925, which President John F. Kennedy signed on 6 March 1961. The order required government contractors to "take affirmative action to ensure that applicants are employed" and treated fairly in employment "without regard to their race, creed, color, or national origin".[^9] ## Rationale As the source summarizes it, the stated aim of affirmative action is to widen opportunity for defined minority groups so that their access matches that of the majority population.[^10] The rationales offered include compensation for past discrimination, correction of present discrimination, and diversification of society. The policy is commonly applied in government and education so that designated groups can take part in promotion, education, and training.[^10] Proponents justify it as redress for past discrimination, persecution, or exploitation by a culture's ruling class, and as a response to discrimination that persists.[^11] The source also reports findings that link greater workforce diversity with higher business performance. The cached section does not name the study.[^11] ## Methods and arguments In a 2018 article, Canadian healthcare researchers argued that businesses are part of the wider world and cannot be walled off from society's problems. They concluded that DEI is therefore needed for better coworker relations and teamwork.[^12] According to the source, DEI material for students and faculty was widespread in colleges and universities by 2014, and many schools required training and meetings. By 2022, US academic institutions had expressed DEI commitments through documents, programs, and dedicated staff, and many accreditation agencies required support for DEI.[^12] Critics say diverse students can feel reduced to filling a "diversity quota", at what the source calls a "high emotional tax". The source also cites research finding that classroom discussion of DEI improves critical thinking and raises academic achievement among both majority and minority students.[^13] Some have proposed increasing political diversity in higher education to reduce political bias and conformity.[^13] In healthcare, mental health professionals have used DEI reflective groups to build cultural sensitivity and reflexivity. These groups address clinical work with clients and families, wider systems, and supervision and teams.[^14] ## Political and public reaction in the U.S. ### K-12 schools On January 29, 2025, President Donald Trump posted a statement on the White House website. It characterized DEI in K-12 schools as anti-American and as disregarding parental oversight.[^15] The statement said federal funding was to go to K-12 schools that adhered to anti-discrimination laws, including Title IV of the Civil Rights Act, [[Title IX]], FERPA, and PPRA.[^15] On April 3, 2025, the Department of Education sent certification letters to schools. Schools had 10 days to return the letters to keep federal financial assistance.[^16] On April 24, 2025, U.S. District Judge Gallagher joined two other federal judges in blocking the initiatives behind the ban, ruling it unconstitutionally vague.[^16] Some contend that DEI content in school curricula favors one identity or community over others. Others point to research finding that student participation in DEI practices can raise overall achievement.[^17] ### Higher education Since 2023, Republican-dominated state [[Legislature|legislatures]] have taken up bills against DEI efforts, chiefly at public colleges and universities.[^18] In June 2023, the Supreme Court decided *Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard*. The decision ended the use of affirmative action in college admissions but did not directly affect employers. Conservative activists then organized in the states against race-conscious policies across the economy.[^18] As of the cached revision, *The Chronicle of Higher Education* had tracked more than 80 such bills introduced since 2023. Of these, eight had become law and 25 had failed to pass.[^19] ## Criticism and controversy in the United States *The Chronicle of Higher Education* reports that institutions have adjusted defensively to the criticism. Some have dropped "diversity" from office and job titles, and some have closed identity-based campus spaces. Others have ended diversity training or no longer ask all faculty and staff for written affirmations of commitment to diversity.[^20] ### Diversity training Diversity training is a common DEI tool. It has been repeatedly criticized as ineffective or counterproductive, and a recurring claim is that it serves mainly as protection against litigation.[^21] *The Economist* wrote that "the consensus now emerging among academics is that many anti-discrimination policies have no effect. What is worse, they often backfire."[^21] A 2007 study of 829 companies over 31 years found "no positive effects in the average workplace" from diversity training. It found a negative effect where the training was mandatory.[^22] Harvard sociologist Frank Dobbin has said that the typical company-wide format used by big companies has no positive effect on any historically underrepresented group.[^22] Defenders counter that implicit bias training is "crucial for addressing racism". They argue that free speech, though fundamental, must be balanced against public health needs.[^23] ## Diversity issues in other countries The source describes DEI concerns, sometimes under other names, in many countries in the 21st century.[^24] Australian workplace initiatives concentrate on gender and Indigenous inclusion, with less weight on disability, LGBTQ+, and socio-economic diversity. In Japan and Iceland, the focus tends to be gender and age.[^24] In India, the emphasis falls on workplace bias rooted in patriarchy, caste, and religion. Many African countries address inequality where gender, ethnicity, and socio-economic background intersect. In the Nordic countries, norms such as the Law of Jante can produce a positivity bias that makes inequality harder to acknowledge.[^25] ### DE&I criteria EDGE compared 20 major countries against 19 DE&I criteria. These included paid maternity and paternity leave, childcare costs, disability hiring quotas and employment accessibility rules, same-sex marriage, and legal recognition of non-binary gender identity.[^26] They also covered board gender quotas, women's share of the paid workforce, sexual harassment protection, laws on [[Pay equity|pay equity]], pay-gap reporting, and non-discrimination by age, race/ethnicity, and nationality. The remaining criteria were the employment rate for ages 55–64 and whether collecting race/ethnicity data is allowed.[^26] ## Notes [^1]: Wikipedia contributors, *Diversity, equity, and inclusion* (revision 1382005244, retrieved 2026-10-26), lead — definition of DEI, UK term EDI, and the "three closely linked values". https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diversity,_equity,_and_inclusion [^2]: Wikipedia contributors, *Diversity, equity, and inclusion* (revision 1382005244, retrieved 2026-10-26), lead — meanings of diversity, equity, and inclusion. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diversity,_equity,_and_inclusion [^3]: Wikipedia contributors, *Diversity, equity, and inclusion* (revision 1382005244, retrieved 2026-10-26), lead — settings where DEI is implemented, and diversity training. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diversity,_equity,_and_inclusion [^4]: Wikipedia contributors, *Diversity, equity, and inclusion* (revision 1382005244, retrieved 2026-10-26), lead — grounds of criticism. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diversity,_equity,_and_inclusion [^5]: Wikipedia contributors, *Diversity, equity, and inclusion* (revision 1382005244, retrieved 2026-10-26), "Other terminology and extensions" — DEIA, I&D, DEIB, JEDI, and UK EDI usage. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diversity,_equity,_and_inclusion [^6]: Wikipedia contributors, *Diversity, equity, and inclusion* (revision 1382005244, retrieved 2026-10-26), "Early history" — 1865 and 1876 veterans' preference, and the 1921 and 1929 executive orders. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diversity,_equity,_and_inclusion [^7]: Wikipedia contributors, *Diversity, equity, and inclusion* (revision 1382005244, retrieved 2026-10-26), "Early history" — the 1944 Veterans' Preference Act and later amendments. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diversity,_equity,_and_inclusion [^8]: Wikipedia contributors, *Diversity, equity, and inclusion* (revision 1382005244, retrieved 2026-10-26), "Early history" — the 1936 Randolph–Sheppard Act, the 1971 Javits–Wagner–O'Day Act, and AbilityOne. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diversity,_equity,_and_inclusion [^9]: Wikipedia contributors, *Diversity, equity, and inclusion* (revision 1382005244, retrieved 2026-10-26), "Early history" — Executive Order 10925, 6 March 1961, and its quoted text. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diversity,_equity,_and_inclusion [^10]: Wikipedia contributors, *Diversity, equity, and inclusion* (revision 1382005244, retrieved 2026-10-26), "Rationale" — stated aim and rationales of affirmative action. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diversity,_equity,_and_inclusion [^11]: Wikipedia contributors, *Diversity, equity, and inclusion* (revision 1382005244, retrieved 2026-10-26), "Rationale" — proponents' justification and the workforce-diversity finding. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diversity,_equity,_and_inclusion [^12]: Wikipedia contributors, *Diversity, equity, and inclusion* (revision 1382005244, retrieved 2026-10-26), "Methods and arguments" — the 2018 Canadian article and the 2014 and 2022 higher-education observations. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diversity,_equity,_and_inclusion [^13]: Wikipedia contributors, *Diversity, equity, and inclusion* (revision 1382005244, retrieved 2026-10-26), "Methods and arguments" — "diversity quota" criticism, classroom research, and political-diversity proposals. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diversity,_equity,_and_inclusion [^14]: Wikipedia contributors, *Diversity, equity, and inclusion* (revision 1382005244, retrieved 2026-10-26), "Methods and arguments" — DEI reflective groups in mental health care. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diversity,_equity,_and_inclusion [^15]: Wikipedia contributors, *Diversity, equity, and inclusion* (revision 1382005244, retrieved 2026-10-26), "K-12 Schools" — the January 29, 2025 White House statement and its funding conditions. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diversity,_equity,_and_inclusion [^16]: Wikipedia contributors, *Diversity, equity, and inclusion* (revision 1382005244, retrieved 2026-10-26), "K-12 Schools" — the April 3, 2025 certification letters and the April 24, 2025 ruling by Judge Gallagher. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diversity,_equity,_and_inclusion [^17]: Wikipedia contributors, *Diversity, equity, and inclusion* (revision 1382005244, retrieved 2026-10-26), "K-12 Schools" — competing views on DEI in school curricula. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diversity,_equity,_and_inclusion [^18]: Wikipedia contributors, *Diversity, equity, and inclusion* (revision 1382005244, retrieved 2026-10-26), "Higher education" — state bills since 2023 and *Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard* (June 2023). https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diversity,_equity,_and_inclusion [^19]: Wikipedia contributors, *Diversity, equity, and inclusion* (revision 1382005244, retrieved 2026-10-26), "Higher education" — *The Chronicle of Higher Education*'s count of over 80 bills, with eight enacted and 25 failed. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diversity,_equity,_and_inclusion [^20]: Wikipedia contributors, *Diversity, equity, and inclusion* (revision 1382005244, retrieved 2026-10-26), "Criticism and controversy in the United States" — institutional adjustments reported by *The Chronicle of Higher Education*. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diversity,_equity,_and_inclusion [^21]: Wikipedia contributors, *Diversity, equity, and inclusion* (revision 1382005244, retrieved 2026-10-26), "Diversity training" — criticism of training, the litigation claim, and the *Economist* quotation. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diversity,_equity,_and_inclusion [^22]: Wikipedia contributors, *Diversity, equity, and inclusion* (revision 1382005244, retrieved 2026-10-26), "Diversity training" — the 2007 study of 829 companies over 31 years, and Frank Dobbin's remarks. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diversity,_equity,_and_inclusion [^23]: Wikipedia contributors, *Diversity, equity, and inclusion* (revision 1382005244, retrieved 2026-10-26), "Diversity training" — contrary argument for implicit bias training. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diversity,_equity,_and_inclusion [^24]: Wikipedia contributors, *Diversity, equity, and inclusion* (revision 1382005244, retrieved 2026-10-26), "Diversity issues in other countries" — global scope, Australia, and Japan and Iceland. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diversity,_equity,_and_inclusion [^25]: Wikipedia contributors, *Diversity, equity, and inclusion* (revision 1382005244, retrieved 2026-10-26), "Diversity issues in other countries" — India, African countries, and the Nordic Law of Jante. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diversity,_equity,_and_inclusion [^26]: Wikipedia contributors, *Diversity, equity, and inclusion* (revision 1382005244, retrieved 2026-10-26), "DE&I criteria" — EDGE's 19 criteria across 20 countries. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diversity,_equity,_and_inclusion