There is a war raging against DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) south of the border. Companies are abandoning DEI initiatives after pressure from President Trump.
At CPRS Toronto, we’ve been doubling down on our diversity efforts because we believe that they are important, now more than ever.
The Right Thing to Do
DEI is sometimes misrepresented as an unfair platform that allows people with lesser qualifications to be brought into jobs or academic programs, and thus, makes an organization less competitive. This is simply false. DEI provides opportunities for historically underrepresented populations to shine. It removes discriminatory practices and creates a level playing field for people of all ethnicities, sexes, sexual orientations and abilities. It aims to right the wrongs of hundreds of years of inequality and injustice.
The Smart Thing to Do
Beyond being the right thing to do, economists agree that DEI is the cornerstone of organizational success. Study after study proves that diverse companies are more innovative and profitable. According to McKinsey & Company, companies in the top quartile for ethnic diversity on executive teams were 33% more likely to have industry-leading profitability. Furthermore, a BCG study found that companies with more diverse management teams have 19% higher revenues due to innovation.
It is time to stop looking at DEI initiatives as charitable gestures and begin reframing them as integral tools for the improvement of our schools and workplaces.
Attacks on DEI are unwarranted and rooted in falsehood and fear. As President of CPRS Toronto, I urge our members and partners to stand with us as we continue to prioritize DEI in all we do. Please follow our social media and email newsletters for our upcoming events and programs. At CPRS Toronto we are better because of our diversity. We are stronger. More resilient and better.