Exploring the True Soul of DEI Practices

Belonging is a universal human need, but it cannot stand alone.

The recent trend toward “belonging for all” reflects an important truth: every employee deserves to feel accepted and valued. Yet belonging is the outcome, not the strategy. People do not arrive at work as blank slates; each brings intersecting identities, histories, and lived experiences of advantage or disadvantage. When leaders focus only on a generalized sense of belonging, they risk overlooking the unique needs of specific groups and the structural barriers that still exist.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion remain essential because they provide the ongoing education and intentional action leaders need to understand those differences and create workplaces where everyone can genuinely belong. These principles are not about politics, they are about people. DEI is simply the work of understanding one another and building fair, safe, and thriving environments.

Importantly, equity is not about lowering standards or hiring or promoting someone because of their identity. Standards for excellence should remain consistent. What changes is the support provided so that every qualified individual has a fair chance to meet those standards. Equity means offering the tools, mentorship, and access that allow talent to develop and shine, rather than writing people off because they don’t already fit a narrow picture of what “success” looks like.

To support these principles, we’ve created a free 10–15 minute e-learning module that breaks down the psychological foundations of social justice and shows how to apply them to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion practices. Inside you’ll find concise explanations, real-world examples, and practical tips for embedding DEI concepts throughout your organization.

Table of Contents

1. What is DEI?

2. Performative vs. Real DEI

3. Why does DEI matter?

4. Practical ways to apply DEI

5. Additional Resources

   1. White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack by: Peggy McIntosh

   2. The Cycle of Socialization by Bobbie Harro

   3. The Cycle of Liberation by Bobbie Harro

6. Conclusion