Fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace in today's rapidly evolving world, organizations recognize the importance of creating environments where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to bring their authentic selves to work. In this session, we will explore the fundamental principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion and their critical role in organizational success. Through interactive discussions, case studies, and practical exercises, participants will gain insights into the benefits of embracing diversity and fostering an inclusive culture. Key topics to be covered include: Understanding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Defining key concepts and exploring their significance in the workplace. Recognizing Unconscious Bias: Identifying common biases and exploring strategies to mitigate their impact on decision-making and interactions. Creating Inclusive Spaces: Building awareness of inclusive behaviors and practices that promote belonging and psychological safety for all employees. Addressing Systemic Inequities involves examining organizational structures, policies, and practices to identify and address barriers to equity and opportunity. Fostering Allyship and Advocacy: Empowering individuals to become allies and advocates for diversity, equity, and inclusion in their personal and professional lives. Developing Action Plans: Collaborating to develop concrete strategies and initiatives to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion within participants' organizations.

1. THE LANGUAGE OF
DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND
INCLUSION
Greg DeShields, CHE, CDE
Executive Director

2. THE LANGUAGE OF
DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

4. The Language of Diversity is evolving the same way as
other areas of diversity competencies.
• Language provides a means for communication among
individuals and groups.
• Language serves as a vehicle for expressing thoughts and
feelings.
• Language can be a bridge for building relationships, across
differences.
THE LANGUAGE OF DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND
INCLUSION

5. Language is not about being
politically correct.
It is about treating people with
respect and dignity and increasing awareness.
THE LANGUAGE OF DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND
INCLUSION

6. What is Inclusive Language?
Inclusive Language is the recognition that Word Matter and
word choice can be used, intentionally or unintentionally, to
include or exclude others.
Using Inclusive Language communicates with people in a
way that is respectful and brings everyone into the
conversation.
THE LANGUAGE OF DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND
INCLUSION

7. SEVEN
STEPS TO
INCLUSIVE
LANGUAGE
KEEP AN OPEN MIND
Try to stand in someone else’s shoes and see it from their
perspective
FOCUS ON THE PERSON
Only refer to an individual’s age, cultural background, gender
etc. if it is relevant.
CONSIDER CONTEXT
Language that may be fine outside of work can be non-
inclusive at work.
IF IN DOUBT, ASK
You don’t need to know all the answers. If you’re not sure what
terminology someone prefers, just ask them.
AVOID IDIOMS, JARGONS, AND ACRONYMS
Jargon and acronyms can exclude people who may not have
specialized knowledge of a particular subject and impede
effective communication as a result.
GUYS” IS NOT GENDER NEUTRAL.
The ”universal male (i.e., using “guys” to mean “people”)
assumes that the normal, default human being is male.
KEEP CALM & RESPOND
Sometimes our unconscious biases mean we can say things
that exclude others even when we do not intend to if you are
called out for not being inclusive, doesn’t mean you need to
defend yourself.
Say something like, “I’m sorry. It wasn’t my intention to offend
you.”
THE LANGUAGE OF DIVERSITY EQUITY AND
INCLUSION

8. CISGENDER
Person whose gender identity matches the sex
they were assigned at birth.

9. INCLUSION
Creating a culture of respect, value, authenticity and
collaboration that supports the full utilization of
people’s different ideas, backgrounds, and
perspectives at all levels.

10. PEOPLE
OF
COLOR
U.S. citizens who do not identify as only white or Caucasian
under the U.S. Census ethnicity categories.

11. RACE
VS.
ETHNICITY
Race is a false construct that conflates skin color.
Ethnicity belonging to a social group that has a common national or cultural
tradition.

12. BIPOC
An Acronym
Black, Indigenous, People of Color

13. JEDI
An Acronym
Justice Equity Diversity Inclusion

14. DISABILITY LANGUAGE
DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

15. When talking to and about individuals with
disabilities, it is important to use language that
reflects dignity and respect.
DISABILITY LANGUAGE DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND
INCLUSION

16. DIVERSITY &
INCLUSION
VOCABULAR
Y
RESPECTFUL LANGUAGE
• People-First language is based on the idea that the
person is not identified by their disability. Example of
this is "People who are blind" instead of "Blind people.“
• Identity-First language means that the person feels that
the disability is a strong part of who they are and they
are proud of their disability. Example "Disabled person,"
versus "person who has a disability."
Ultimately, people with disabilities decide how their
disability should be stated.

17. LGBTQ PRONOUNS
DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

18. Gender pronouns are words that people use to
refer to others without using their names.
Using a person’s correct pronouns fosters an
inclusive environment and affirms a person’s
gender identity.
LGBTQ PRONOUNS DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

19. DIVERSITY &
INCLUSION
VOCABULAR
Y
Despite a person’s best efforts, mistakenly using the wrong
pronouns can happen. If a person mistakenly uses the
wrong pronouns, they should apologize, correct the
pronouns, and carry on with their dialog.

20. THANK YOU
THE LANGUAGE OF
DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION
Greg DeShields, CHE, CDE
Executive Director