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
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
Jonathan Garcia, quoted in The San Antonio (Texas) Business JournalThis 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 nounLisa ToppinVirtually 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
Orange County (California) RegisterThe 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
Niquel Terry Ellis2
: 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
David M. Velazquez and Laron EvansExamples of diversity, equity and inclusion in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Since February, numerous federal agencies have had billions of dollars for research projects slashed after the Trump administration sought to save money for billions in tax cuts and to eliminate support for diversity, equity and inclusion.
—Naomi Kotani, Mercury News, 19 July 2025
Any social movement, including shoppers who have been boycotting certain retailers for their rollbacks of diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, hurt retail sales, Rowley said.
—Betty Lin-Fisher, USA Today, 19 July 2025
Efforts that support diversity, equity and inclusion have been disbanded by federal and state governments.
—Anthony Man, Sun Sentinel, 18 July 2025
Broader efforts to promote diversity, equity and inclusion — the very values that Bean championed — have recently come under attack in ways that intersect directly with baseball.
—Jon Paul Hoornstra, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 July 2025
As political landscapes shift, some companies are reassessing their public positions on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), often in ways that signal a retreat.
—Craig Crisler, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
In May, Target said sluggish sales resulted from weaker discretionary spending, uncertainty about President Donald Trump's tariffs and backlash to its decision to roll back key diversity, equity and inclusion efforts.
—Melissa Repko, CNBC, 15 July 2025
While other major companies roll back their diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, Mattel Inc. has launched the first Barbie® doll with type 1 diabetes.
—Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 10 July 2025
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
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Naomi Kotani, Mercury News, 19 July 2025
Any social movement, including shoppers who have been boycotting certain retailers for their rollbacks of diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, hurt retail sales, Rowley said.
—Betty Lin-Fisher, USA Today, 19 July 2025
Efforts that support diversity, equity and inclusion have been disbanded by federal and state governments.
—Anthony Man, Sun Sentinel, 18 July 2025
Broader efforts to promote diversity, equity and inclusion — the very values that Bean championed — have recently come under attack in ways that intersect directly with baseball.
—Jon Paul Hoornstra, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 July 2025
As political landscapes shift, some companies are reassessing their public positions on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), often in ways that signal a retreat.
—Craig Crisler, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
In May, Target said sluggish sales resulted from weaker discretionary spending, uncertainty about President Donald Trump's tariffs and backlash to its decision to roll back key diversity, equity and inclusion efforts.
—Melissa Repko, CNBC, 15 July 2025
While other major companies roll back their diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, Mattel Inc. has launched the first Barbie® doll with type 1 diabetes.
—Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 10 July 2025
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
Cite this Entry
“Diversity, equity and inclusion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/diversity%2C%20equity%20and%20inclusion. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.
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