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
But a sweeping new state law, SB 12, that banned diversity, equity and inclusion activity in K-12 schools, such as referencing LGBTQ identities in conversations, had just kicked in.
—Milla Surjadi, Dallas Morning News, 19 Mar. 2026
Planned Parenthood of Illinois has agreed to pay $500,000 to end a government investigation into charges of discrimination tied to the organization's diversity, equity and inclusion efforts.
—Andrea Hsu, NPR, 19 Mar. 2026
The bar reopened in January 2023 following an equity audit, and emphasized a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, reports noted.
—Adam Harrington, CBS News, 19 Mar. 2026
Lawmakers have also worked to undermine local governments’ ability to celebrate different cultures or work toward diversity, equity and inclusion in their own work space and through their interactions with the community.
—Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Mar. 2026
Among them were a requirement to teach embryology, authorization for the education commissioner to remove textbooks from circulation, and a prohibition against public schools using any funds for programs, goods and services that support diversity, equity and inclusion.
—Jeffrey S. Solochek, Sun Sentinel, 17 Mar. 2026
The law banned diversity, equity and inclusion in hiring practices and training at K-12 public schools.
—Keri Heath, Austin American Statesman, 16 Mar. 2026
Along with the executive orders specifically directed at the transgender community others orders repeal diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives and anti-discrimination protections for LGBTQ+ individuals.
—Elijah Polance, Hartford Courant, 14 Mar. 2026
Bryant was one of the leaders of the nationwide movement to punish Target for their rollback of DEI policies, or policies that prioritized diversity, equity and inclusion for their staff.
—Irene Wright, USA Today, 12 Mar. 2026
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Milla Surjadi, Dallas Morning News, 19 Mar. 2026
Planned Parenthood of Illinois has agreed to pay $500,000 to end a government investigation into charges of discrimination tied to the organization's diversity, equity and inclusion efforts.
—Andrea Hsu, NPR, 19 Mar. 2026
The bar reopened in January 2023 following an equity audit, and emphasized a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, reports noted.
—Adam Harrington, CBS News, 19 Mar. 2026
Lawmakers have also worked to undermine local governments’ ability to celebrate different cultures or work toward diversity, equity and inclusion in their own work space and through their interactions with the community.
—Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Mar. 2026
Among them were a requirement to teach embryology, authorization for the education commissioner to remove textbooks from circulation, and a prohibition against public schools using any funds for programs, goods and services that support diversity, equity and inclusion.
—Jeffrey S. Solochek, Sun Sentinel, 17 Mar. 2026
The law banned diversity, equity and inclusion in hiring practices and training at K-12 public schools.
—Keri Heath, Austin American Statesman, 16 Mar. 2026
Along with the executive orders specifically directed at the transgender community others orders repeal diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives and anti-discrimination protections for LGBTQ+ individuals.
—Elijah Polance, Hartford Courant, 14 Mar. 2026
Bryant was one of the leaders of the nationwide movement to punish Target for their rollback of DEI policies, or policies that prioritized diversity, equity and inclusion for their staff.
—Irene Wright, USA Today, 12 Mar. 2026
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 21 Mar. 2026.
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