Diversity is recognizing, respecting and celebrating differences of all types.

We tend to focus on differences that have been used to marginalize whole groups of people, like skin color, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual and gender identity, age and physical abilities.

Diversity also includes seeing and honoring different skills, inclinations, backgrounds, experiences, perspectives, expressions and opinions.

Equity is treating everyone equally, with a special focus on those who have been denied equal treatment.

Inclusion is ensuring that everyone is represented in decision-making.

That’s it.  It’s not complicated.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is putting into practice the belief that all are created equal, and free to pursue their happiness by removing historical barriers.

I can understand why bigots and white supremacists are opposed to DEI programs because they believe that white, straight, male, Christian, able-bodied, youthful people are superior to those who are not.

What I don’t understand is why businesses are following suit, dropping DEI programs after years of touting that DEI is good for business.  We must show that DEI is good for business by boycotting companies that have dropped it—and telling them why.

If you are against celebrating diversity, are you for ignoring differences, pretending they don’t even exist?

If you are against equity, are you for inequity?  Are you for discriminating against people who not white, straight, cisgender male, Christian, able-bodied and young?

If you are against inclusion, are you for exclusion?

Or are you just conforming to the policies of the bigots and white supremacists out of fear?

If it is fear, then, ironically, by abandoning DEI you are forfeiting your right to diversity in thought, expression and opinion based on your experiences and perspectives.

Forcing compliance through fear and intimidation is not freedom.

Abandoning DEI may seem like a small price to pay to gain political favor, but it is not.  It declares that the organization is no longer safe.  Safety is needed for every good thing to follow—like productivity, community and even profits.

The greatest cost for abandoning DEI is to marginalized people, who now face greater risks to our health and safety.  Bigots and white supremacists are emboldened to cause harm, which affects all of us.

Even if you could not be labeled a “DEI hire,” you likely have loved ones whose skin is dark, who were born in a different country, who identify as queer, who have disabilities, practice a different faith than you, or who are elderly.

Chances are that eventually we will all know how it feels to be marginalized and discriminated against. Even bigots and white supremacists get old, get sick and develop disabilities. Whatever insight or empathy is gained by these experiences, however, won’t matter because people who live on the margins are not seen or heard, which is why we need DEI.

What makes America great is our diversity.  We value freedom of thought and expression, and the pursuit of happiness, however one defines it.

Diversity is our strength.

Equity is our calling.

Inclusion is our obligation.