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
One of the nation’s premier research universities, the University of Virginia, was embroiled in a divisive struggle over diversity, equity and inclusion policies.
—David Ignatius, Washington Post, 11 Feb. 2026
In April 2024, the university fired dozens of staff members who formerly worked in diversity, equity and inclusion positions.
—Lily Kepner, Austin American Statesman, 10 Feb. 2026
While dozens of companies have dropped diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies, Costco stood behind DEI.
—Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN Money, 7 Feb. 2026
The dissatisfaction has risen as corporations abandon their commitments to environmental, social and governance issues, vilified on the right as ESG and diversity, equity and inclusion programs.
—Chris Tomlinson, Houston Chronicle, 5 Feb. 2026
These law firms have been criticized for arguably capitulating to the president and his desire to dismantle diversity, equity and inclusion policies.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 5 Feb. 2026
From his Los Angeles home, Johnathan Perkins, a Black diversity, equity and inclusion director at UCLA, had a different take.
—Jaweed Kaleem, Los Angeles Times, 5 Feb. 2026
McMahon has also cracked down on diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives in schools.
—Kate Armanini, Chicago Tribune, 5 Feb. 2026
The current wave of anti-diversity, equity and inclusion rhetoric makes this moment even more dangerous.
—Rosalind Osgood, Sun Sentinel, 4 Feb. 2026
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David Ignatius, Washington Post, 11 Feb. 2026
In April 2024, the university fired dozens of staff members who formerly worked in diversity, equity and inclusion positions.
—Lily Kepner, Austin American Statesman, 10 Feb. 2026
While dozens of companies have dropped diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies, Costco stood behind DEI.
—Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN Money, 7 Feb. 2026
The dissatisfaction has risen as corporations abandon their commitments to environmental, social and governance issues, vilified on the right as ESG and diversity, equity and inclusion programs.
—Chris Tomlinson, Houston Chronicle, 5 Feb. 2026
These law firms have been criticized for arguably capitulating to the president and his desire to dismantle diversity, equity and inclusion policies.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 5 Feb. 2026
From his Los Angeles home, Johnathan Perkins, a Black diversity, equity and inclusion director at UCLA, had a different take.
—Jaweed Kaleem, Los Angeles Times, 5 Feb. 2026
McMahon has also cracked down on diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives in schools.
—Kate Armanini, Chicago Tribune, 5 Feb. 2026
The current wave of anti-diversity, equity and inclusion rhetoric makes this moment even more dangerous.
—Rosalind Osgood, Sun Sentinel, 4 Feb. 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 15 Feb. 2026.
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