Over the past couple of weeks, there has been a lot of buzz surrounding major companies and colleges surrounding Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) and Title IX. But what does it mean? DEI and Title IX are like the dynamic duo of fairness in education and public spaces. DEI ensures everyone gets a seat at the table, while Title IX fights against any sex-based discrimination, especially in education. Together, they create environments where all voices are heard, everyone’s rights are protected and fairness remains in order. They are not just regulations but the foundation of a space where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
“So, the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is like an organization that protects rights [and] includes different groups and people into places like work [or public spaces],” Harper Hale (11) said.
It is crucial to remember the reason DEI initiatives exist to understand why many people advocate for them. DEI seeks to promote the fair treatment and full participation of all people, particularly groups who have historically been underrepresented or subject to discrimination based on identity or disability.
“I think it’s extremely important that we keep these places open [and not] make it to where there’s only certain groups of people allowed in certain areas, including not just workplaces, but in schools, churches and public areas,” Hale said.
While the intended goal of DEI is to create diverse and positive environments for everyone, it can come off as negative. Due to the lack of awareness of other systemic issues surrounding certain organizations, DEI may not adequately tackle any deep-rooted biases and inequalities within an organization’s structure that follow their loose and obscure guidelines.
“I think [DEI initiatives] can [tackle inequalities,]” Hale said. “I mean it ends up coming off as more of [insincere,] but it can definitely help balance out certain aspects of [discrimination,] if that makes sense.”
As a result of an environment where all students feel valued, supported and empowered to learn, there can be an improvement in academic performance, critical thinking skills and a better understanding of the world around them by exposing them to diverse perspectives and experiences. This is essentially preparing them for a global society with different and unique outcomes. If there is a single type of population in a field, there is a huge risk for closed-off mindsets; people tend to have a single view and will miss important things they could have been aware of.
“If you grow up and you don’t get to experience different groups of people, [once] you go into the real world, and you see these different groups of people, it’s shocking to them,” Hale said. “I think it’s very common that this does happen when they go into [the]real world [and] see that there are multiple different types of people and they don’t know how to work with certain people because they’ve never had to be around people [who] came from a different background.”
Considering the varying needs across different regions, it is important to recognize how other factors should influence the application of DEI initiatives. By tailoring these initiatives to specific community needs, it can ensure that resources are allocated where they are most effective.
“I feel like it should be enforced but based on a socio-economic standard,” London Jordan (10) said. “For example, Memphis [has] more diversity so it wouldn’t be proposed in that area compared to others [as it isn’t necessary in already diverse] areas. Some areas just need [additional resources from DEI] more than others.”
It is important to consider that the goal of DEI in educational spaces is to provide equal opportunities for people of all different groups and not just the “charity work” to appeal to the public. Nor is it forcing minorities into spaces where they are not needed, but to correct bias that has been unconsciously ingrained into public spaces and promoting healthy and diverse communities within organizations.
”It’s not really about efficiency in a [public space] but more about the fairness and treatment of people,” Jordan said. “It’s more about making people work together more.”
Overall, diversity, equity and inclusion are crucial to the workplace not only because it levels the playing field for minorities but because it opens the door for expanding expression and knowledge to each person. By having more diverse communities in public spaces, one can access more tools to help contribute to a more innovative society.
“I feel like it would be important not just to have diversity but to make sure you can maintain the diversity [in the community] as well,” Jordan said.
