What is the future of DEI? Lately, there have been more and more media reports about a decreasing number of DEI officers, and a growing number are being asked to take on additional responsibilities outside of the DEI lens. The Supreme Court’s landmark decision to gut affirmative action has made it unlawful for colleges to take race into consideration as a specific factor in admissions like program at the two universities at the center of the case, Harvard University and the University of North Carolina.
Attacks on Black history in our schools have become more common. Despite the ostensible desire for corporations, universities, organizations and other institutions to embrace diversity after the George Floyd murder, what many thought was too good to be true, may truly be a fad. Additional questions have arisen like how artificial intelligence can be discriminatory, how are our communities, philanthropy and workplaces adapting to demands of inclusivity and belonging. How do we measure our progress, and when will be know if we are indeed a diverse, equitable and inclusive society?
In this episode we speak with Samia Byrd, Chief Race and Equity Officer, Deputy County Manager for Arlington County and Diane Britt Smith, actor and model, about their experiences and thoughts about how we are embracing DEI today.
Episode 10