It’s the “D” in DEI that gets all the attention. The “equity and inclusion” goals are very much on the sideline, in part because they don’t bring to mind any particular practice or change; diversity focuses attention on hiring as a means of change.

It is a hot-button issue because of the perception that diversity programs are about giving preference in hiring and promotions to people other than white men. The widespread belief that DEI is another word for hiring preferences is unfortunate, given that—except in very limited situations—any such practice violates the law. Affirmative action is also assumed to be a synonym for preferential hiring, but again, except in very unusual circumstances, it is limited to reducing bias and shaping the applicant pool. READ MORE