WEEK 3 ASSIGNMENT – RESEARCH PAPER 1
DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION (DE&I)
As we discovered in our learning activities for Week 2, the topic of diversity is a mainstay in life. Organizations and individuals both work to educate those around on the value of understanding and embracing diversity with the hopes of ensuring the underrepresented received equal opportunities, fair treatment, and experience inclusive environments. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are independent concepts, but many believe to truly commit to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I), all three must be successfully attained and sustained.
Diversity brings together the various characteristics of race, ethnicity, gender, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, tribe, cast, socio-economic status, cognitive abilities, etc. but this is often where it stops for many. A diverse organization does not mean it is inclusive or equitable in the treatment of their employees.
Some of the underserved and underrepresented groups we have seen as the subject of articles, news, and social media are, but not limited to, the following: former felons, LGBTQ, Asian American, Hispanic, neurodiverse groups, law enforcement, veterans, Black African Americans, Arab Americans, long-term unemployed, just to name a few.
Some of the social movements that have brought attention for the need to strengthen an organization’s DEI programs include MAD Pride (users of mental health services), Men’s Rights Movement, Me Too Movement, Black Lives Matter, Trans Lives Matter, and Blue Lives Matter,
Assignment
Choose one option. For each option, except Option 3, you will need to select a group or movement to be the focus of your paper.
Conduct a DE&I audit for your chosen organization. An audit includes the assessment of the organization’s leadership, culture, policies, and procedures/practices for legal compliance with equal opportunity laws, as well as analyzing specific ways the same support or act as barriers.
The parts of your paper include the introduction, brief organizational background, your audit, and a summary and recommendations.
