In the past couple weeks, we have seen an escalation of attacks against “DEI”, or diversity, equity, and inclusion. These attacks have been fueled, in part, by misinformation about the meaning and value of DEI. In my upcoming posts, I will be sharing resources with accurate information about what DEI is. 

But let me begin with what DEI is not. DEI is not illegal. Workplaces, schools, governmental bodies, and other institutions can comply with the Constitution while also implementing policies, practices, and offices that explicitly support diversity, equity, and inclusion. In fact, the Constitution itself is a DEI document. The Reconstruction Amendments, in particular, expanded the civil protections of our Constitution to marginalized groups in order to make this country more equitable and more inclusive.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are not bad words or bad acts. Racism is the bad word and the bad act. Let’s be clear about this. 

Defending democracy is 24/7/365.