
In recent years, the acronym DEIB—Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging—has become central to creating fairer workplaces and societies. However, a concerning trend has emerged where some organizations are choosing to drop "Equity," reducing the acronym to DIB. This shift not only undermines the integrity of these efforts but also risks perpetuating existing inequalities.
Recently, the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) made the controversial decision to remove “Equity” from its framework, focusing solely on "Inclusion and Diversity" (I&D). While SHRM may intend to streamline its approach, this move overlooks the vital role that equity plays in fostering truly inclusive environments.
Why Equity Matters
Equity is about fairness—ensuring that all employees have access to the same opportunities by addressing and rectifying structural barriers. It goes beyond simply treating everyone the same; it recognizes the unique challenges different groups face and adjusts practices to level the playing field.
For marginalized communities, equity is crucial in overcoming historical and systemic barriers to success. Without a focus on equity, diversity efforts can become superficial, and inclusion can lack substance.
The Risks of Excluding Equity
Dropping "Equity" from DEIB initiatives is a grave mistake. Without equity, diversity efforts can devolve into tokenism, and inclusion can fail to address the underlying systemic inequities. SHRM’s shift to an “inclusion-first” approach risks creating environments that may feel inclusive on the surface but still perpetuate discrimination and inequality.
Moving Forward: Prioritizing Equity
Organizations should:
Set Concrete Equity Goals: Define specific, actionable equity objectives, like Ikea’s commitment to gender parity across all levels.
Implement and Track Evidence-Based Practices: Standardize processes to reduce bias and promote fairness.
Foster Accountability and Transparency: Increase accountability by hiring diversity officers and being transparent about decision-making.
The Broader Implications
SHRM’s decision reflects a broader trend where organizations are retreating from equity-focused initiatives. This shift risks undoing decades of progress in civil rights and workplace equality. Removing equity from DEI is not progress; it is a step backward. As we face critical societal challenges, maintaining equity as a foundational element in our efforts is more important than ever. Let’s not allow DEI to fade—our progress depends on it.
Taking a stand without a comprehensive understanding of foundational issues is unwise. That's why we developed the Centering Equity in Your Organization Guide. This carefully curated guide is designed to equip your team with the essential knowledge, skills, and tools needed to foster a truly equitable and inclusive workplace.
Empower your organization to not only take a stand but to build bridges, not barriers, in your journey toward a more inclusive future.
All the best!
Jenora Ledbetter
CEO/Founder
The Self Care Network LLC
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