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Intro to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Learning Series

This series will allow you to learn about the intricate aspects of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Designed to foster a deep understanding of the foundations that underpin a more inclusive and equitable world, each resource offers a unique perspective and valuable insights from renowned experts in the field.

What is DEI?

What is diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)? Dr. Cheryl Ingram of Diverse City LLC breaks down its meaning: diversity is the collective mixture of human beings and their identities; inclusion is creating a space of belonging and equitable opportunity; equity is the fairness for all identities, and you cannot have one without the other.

Silhouettes of diverse people with the word 'TOGETHER' above them.

Inadequate Without Inclusion

Diversity among scientists can foster better science yet engaging and retaining a diversity of students and researchers in science has been difficult. Actions that promote diversity are well defined, organizations are increasingly focused on diversity, and many institutions are developing initiatives to recruit and enroll students from underrepresented minority (URM) groups (racial, ethnic, gender, sexual identity, or persons with disabilities). However, representation of URM groups in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields lag behind demographics in society.

Read Without inclusion, diversity initiatives may not be enough by Puritty, C., Strickland, L.R., Alia, E., Blonder, B., Klein, E., Kohl, M.T., and Gerber, L.R.

Access Isn't Inclusion

Getting into college for disadvantaged students is only half the battle. Anthony Abraham Jack, assistant professor at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, reveals how and why they struggle and explains what schools can do differently if these students are to thrive. He urges us to grapple with a simple fact: access is not inclusion.

Hands holding puzzle pieces labeled 'DEI' fitting them together.

Inclusion: The Glue for Diversity

Leaders have long recognized that a diverse workforce of women, people of color, and LGBT individuals confers a competitive edge in terms of selling products or services to diverse end users. Yet a stark gap persists between recognizing the leadership behaviors that unlock this capability and actually practicing them.

Read Diversity doesn't stick without inclusion by Laura Sherbin and Ripa Rashid.

Embracing Discussions on Race

Jay Smooth is host of New York's longest running hip-hop radio show, the Underground Railroad on WBAI 99.5 FM in NY, and is an acclaimed commentator on politics and culture. In this talk, he discusses the sometimes thorny territory of how we discuss issues of race and racism, offering insightful and humorous suggestions for expanding our perception of the subject.

Group of diverse people standing in a circle with their arms linked.

DEI: Making a Meaningful Impact

It's time for academic medical institutions to prove their statements aren't just pretty words by acting to create diversity, equity, and inclusion that matter.

Read Diversity, equity, and inclusion that matter by Vanessa Grubbs from New England Journal of Medicine.