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

Also on the list are violations of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, a law Trump officials have invoked to root out diversity, equity and inclusion policies. —Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2025

The Trump administration’s Department of Education has made targeting Thomas and trans athletes like her a central part of its efforts to root out diversity, equity and inclusion in schools. —Alaa Elassar, CNN Money, 4 July 2025

Consumers have been boycotting retailers and businesses for several reasons, including rollbacks by companies on their diversity, equity and inclusion efforts and what some organizers have called corporate greed. —Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 3 July 2025

As the University of Cincinnati dismantled its diversity, equity and inclusion programs last week, critics of the move demanded to know why UC didn't fight harder to save them. —Dan Horn, The Enquirer, 3 July 2025

Organizations focused on diversity, equity and inclusion face additional headwinds as executive actions disqualify them from federal grants and contracts. —Monique Johnson, Forbes.com, 3 July 2025

In 2023, lawmakers passed Senate Bill 17, which eliminated diversity, equity and inclusion offices and initiatives in public higher education institutions. —Alex Driggars, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025

Some Indiana Target stores might see fewer shoppers in March and April from customers upset over major corporations who have backtracked on their DEI or diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. —Alex Perry, IndyStar, 2 July 2025

In April, the federal agency announced a $1 billion cut to mental health funding, citing concerns about diversity, equity and inclusion – or DEI – initiatives embedded in the contracts. —Carleen Johnson, The Washington Examiner, 2 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

2001, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for diversity, equity and inclusion

• allusion
• collusion
• conclusion
• confusion
• contusion
• delusion
• diffusion
• effusion
• exclusion
• extrusion
• illusion
• infusion