Race, Diversity and Inclusion

There has been a growing debate regarding affirmative action, diversity, and inclusion recently. Many people have used these terms synonymously, but are they really the same concept?

The debate has been fueled by initiatives (led by Ward Connerly) that have been put before voters in California, Washington State, and Michigan to eliminate affirmative action and race-based strategies (http://www.acri.org/ and also see http://www.acri.org/chairman.html).

Affirmative action strategies have helped ensure steps are taken to actively seek out underrepresented minorities and women so that the composition of our workforces and educational systems reflect the demographic make-up of the communities being served. Affirmative action grew out of equal opportunity legislation in the late sixties and early 70s. Ward Connerly and others believe it’s time to eliminate these practices. I strongly disagree. But in some respects the conversation is nearly ready to move beyond race and into the area of the Institute’s interest, Inclusion. How is Inclusion different from Affirmative Action and Diversity initiatives? Does it depend on them?

Diversity emerged in the early 1980s and expands the traditional compliance concept. It seeks to ensure that the mix of talent reflects (beyond race and gender) an even broader range of background, experience and skill. A core belief is that diverse teams outperform homogeneous teams and diverse student populations enrich the educational experience.

Andre Tapei, Chief Diversity Officer at Hewitt suggests, “Diversity is about the mix. Inclusion is making the mix work.”

Inclusion is a recent concept that is misunderstood and often referred to as another word for diversity. Just what is the difference? What strategies are needed in the 21st century?

My view: Inclusion is a strategic approach focused on making the growing diversity of the workplace function better for the benefit of organizations and societies as a whole. It’s about empowerment, engagement and respect for the view points, beliefs, and practices of this emerging globally diverse world.

According to the Institute for Inclusion, inclusion is engaging the uniqueness of the talents, beliefs, backgrounds, capabilities, and ways of living of individuals and groups when joined in a common endeavor.

Inclusion embraces the differences that are brought to the table in an effort to make outcomes more productive and beneficial to all.

What’s your view? Post your comment below!

Effenus Henderson

Upcoming Meeting in September

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