What is DEI anyhow and Why Does It Matter?
by Jude Goodwin
What is DEI?
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) refers to policies and practices designed to create fair and inclusive environments for people of all backgrounds.
Diversity focuses on representation across various identities, including race, gender, sexuality, disability, and socioeconomic background.
Equity ensures fair treatment by addressing systemic barriers and providing resources based on individual needs.
Inclusion fosters environments where everyone feels valued and has equal opportunities to participate.
Some argue that hiring should be based solely on merit rather than DEI initiatives. However, marginalized groups—including BIPOC, women, queer individuals, and disabled people—face systemic barriers that make it difficult to rise in merit-based systems. Financial barriers limit access to higher education, cultural expectations restrict opportunities (such as the belief that women should focus on caregiving rather than careers), and biases persist in hiring and promotions. Structural discrimination has historically kept many from accessing the same opportunities as others, making DEI initiatives necessary to level the playing field.
The History of DEI
Efforts toward DEI have been ongoing for decades, particularly in response to civil rights movements. In Canada, initiatives promoting diversity date back to the 1960s, when multicultural policies were introduced to support immigrant integration. The Canadian Human Rights Act (1977) and Employment Equity Act (1986) strengthened legal protections against discrimination.
In the U.S., DEI gained traction after the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Affirmative action programs aimed to address systemic inequalities in education and employment.
DEI and the 2SLGBTQIA+ Community
For queer and trans communities, DEI initiatives have played a key role in securing workplace protections, healthcare access, and legal rights. Canada legalized same-sex marriage in 2005, while the U.S. followed in 2015. Despite legal progress, discrimination persists—16% of LGBTQ+ Canadians report workplace discrimination (Statistics Canada, 2021).
Inclusive workplaces improve outcomes for queer employees. A McKinsey & Company (2020) report found that companies with strong DEI policies see higher employee satisfaction and retention rates.
DEI in Canada
Canada has implemented DEI policies at both government and corporate levels. The Federal 50-30 Challenge encourages organizations to have 50% gender parity and 30% representation from underrepresented groups in leadership. Public institutions, including universities and hospitals, have DEI offices to support marginalized communities.
However, challenges remain. Indigenous people, Black Canadians, and queer individuals still face disproportionate barriers in employment and healthcare. For example, the unemployment rate for transgender Canadians is three times higher than the national average (Trans PULSE Canada, 2020).
DEI in the U.S. and Trump's Policies
In the U.S., DEI initiatives faced direct opposition under the Trump administration. In 2020, Trump issued Executive Order 13950, banning federal agencies from conducting diversity training on "divisive concepts." The order was revoked by President Biden in 2021, but many states have since introduced anti-DEI policies. Florida and Texas, for example, have passed laws restricting DEI programs in public universities.
In 2025, Trump issued Executive Orders 14151 and 14173, further dismantling DEI programs within federal agencies and government contractors. These orders led to the termination of DEI initiatives and job losses for employees working in diversity-focused roles. Universities faced funding cuts if they continued to support DEI programs, leading to hiring freezes and layoffs in institutions such as Johns Hopkins University.
Despite these rollbacks, private companies and advocacy groups continue to push for inclusive policies. Companies like Apple have resisted pressure to eliminate DEI policies, arguing that diversity strengthens innovation and business success.
Why DEI Matters
DEI is not just about representation; it affects economic performance, mental health, and social cohesion. Studies show that diverse teams perform better, and inclusive workplaces have lower turnover rates. For the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, DEI initiatives provide essential protections against discrimination and create safer spaces in workplaces, schools, and healthcare.
Diversity is a fundamental principle in nature. Ecosystems thrive when they contain a wide range of species, each playing a role in maintaining balance and resilience. Monocultures, where only one species dominates, are more vulnerable to disease, environmental stress, and collapse. Similarly, in human societies, diverse perspectives and backgrounds strengthen innovation, problem-solving, and adaptability. Without diversity, both natural ecosystems and human organizations become fragile and less capable of responding to challenges.
Moving Forward
DEI remains a critical issue, especially as political and social landscapes shift. In Canada, continued investment in DEI policies can help reduce systemic inequalities. In the U.S., advocacy is essential to counteract restrictive policies.
For individuals, supporting DEI means advocating for inclusive policies, holding institutions accountable, and creating spaces where marginalized voices are heard.
