The Elephant and the Mouse

Chapter 1Hard Truths

WHAT ARE THE HARD TRUTHS ABOUT DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION?

Let's be realistic as we think about both the successes and failures of the efforts around diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Some say that the whole push toward diversity began at least 20 years ago; others date it to the 1960s. Historians might suggest anti‐slavery movements or suffrage efforts were the origins of the impetus for diversity. In any case, it could be argued that this effort has been a long time incubating. We need to acknowledge that although there has been progress, perhaps efforts are not going as well as we would have hoped. Billions of dollars in training, millions of people‐hours taking trainings, uncountable numbers of words spoken and written have advanced this desired goal of embracing a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace and society. Annual reports, declarations, lawsuits, committees, meetings, articles, and reporters' efforts have helped contribute to the goal of moving the needle.

So what can we show for all of this human energy and lost trees? I would like to stipulate that progress has occurred. But the stipulation is limited. We can look at emerging laws, admissions to military academies or law schools, jobs that women are now in, awareness of issues that face people of color—these all show telltale signs of progress over the past decades.

The evolution ...