OASIS BLOG
Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace: Navigating Shifting Support for DEI I’ve noticed a recurring theme lately as I’ve scanned the headlines about diversity, equity, and inclusion. Too often I’m seeing DEI programs in politicians’ crosshairs. The inevitable result of that scrutiny is a contentious debate played out in the media. Our views on…
Continue ReadingTalking about certain social issues is something many find intimidating. These topics are touchy. They invite strong opinions and can involve debate and contention. Often individuals feel they don’t know enough to weigh in or worry they won’t articulate themselves clearly. But most often, what holds us back is simply fear of saying something wrong.…
Continue ReadingDiversity comes in many forms: race, gender, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, ability, age, and socioeconomic background, to name a few. All of these characteristics contribute to one’s own experience and understanding of the world. How has diversity impacted your own life? For example, how diverse is your neighborhood? School? Place of work? Group of friends?…
Continue ReadingWhen I interviewed subjects in focus groups for my dissertation several years ago, I remember one subject making the statement: “I feel like an uninvited guest in a white space.” When asked to describe the learning and social environment they were part of, another subject stated: “They (his white peers) act like the spaces they…
Continue ReadingThe benefit of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Sense of belonging (DEIS) has been well supported by research for years, long before Mr. George Floyd took his unfortunate last breath at the knees and the complacency of his killers. Unfortunately, the failed policing policies that brought about his death are paralleled by failed institutional playbooks that…
Continue ReadingExperts agree that as demographic diversity plays an increasing role in the success of organizations, leaders must continue to consider the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) practices. As the emphasis on organizational DE&I becomes increasingly common, the industry approach is for organizations to initially focus their attention on training programs. This is a…
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