Glossary

Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI)

Organizational policies and programs aimed at diversity of people, equitable treatment and inclusion, which have become contested politically.

Also called: DEI, diversity equity and inclusion, DEIB

Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) is an umbrella term for programs in workplaces, universities and governments that seek to increase the representation of underrepresented groups, provide fair treatment and create environments in which everyone feels welcome. Typical activities include recruitment outreach, mentoring, bias or sensitivity training, employee resource groups and diversity offices.

The terms have distinct meanings in this usage: diversity refers to the variety of people, equity to fair treatment and, for some, adjusting support to account for different starting points, and inclusion to participation and belonging. Companies and schools expanded such programs after 2020. Federal law already bans discrimination under Title VII and the Equal Protection Clause, and courts have limited some race-conscious programs, such as in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard (2023).

Supporters argue DEI helps organizations draw on talent from all backgrounds and addresses barriers. Critics, including many conservatives, argue that some programs rely on group preferences, that trainings are ineffective or divisive and that "equity" is closer to equality of outcome than to equality of opportunity. Several states and federal agencies have restricted DEI offices and programs, and some companies have scaled them back. Empirical evidence on effectiveness of specific programs is mixed.

Last reviewed November 8, 2026

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Related terms

Equality of opportunity The principle that people should have the same chance to succeed, judged by talent and effort and not by birth, race or connections. Equality of outcome The idea that policy should aim to produce similar results, such as incomes or representation, across individuals or groups. Equal Protection Clause The Fourteenth Amendment guarantee that no state may deny any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws. Woke A term that began as awareness of racial injustice and is now often used, mostly pejoratively, for progressive cultural and social attitudes. Identity politics Political activity organized around group identities such as race, gender or religion, a term used both descriptively and as criticism.