Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

  • 1.  DEI Helps Businesses?

    Posted 05-07-2025 09:44 AM

    There have been a few news items lately saying that Costco, Apple, and Levi's have seen increases in business since they reiterated their commitment to DEI. Conversely, news reports suggest that Target continues to suffer after rolling back some of its DEI programs. I haven't confirmed those reports. If they're accurate, popular support for DEI remains high despite heavy political opposition. That's encouraging.

    Bill Mc


    #Inclusionandbelonginginengineeringworkforce

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    William McAnally Ph.D., P.E., BC.CE, BC.NE, F.ASCE
    ENGINEER
    Columbus MS
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  • 2.  RE: DEI Helps Businesses?

    Posted 05-07-2025 12:58 PM

    I was happy to see on the news that the boycott of Target has drawn attention and had an effect. I saw that the boycott is backed by spiritual and community leaders, including Pastor Jamal Bryant, who initiated a 40-day fast from shopping at Target.

    DEI benefits many communities: Black, Hispanic, Asian, Women, people with disabilities, LBGTQ+ (queer), and more. It also benefits the "dominant majority" community by making our collective society better.  The idea that DEI "takes something away" from "white male cisgendered heterosexuals" is false, although it may be the basis for the current backlash. Society and community is not a zero sum concept.

    Thus wouldn't it make sense for all of us to support efforts to keep, improve, and expand the DEI movement, including things like the Target boycott?



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    Renee Kimball A.M.ASCE
    K2N Crest
    Oak Brook IL
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    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: DEI Helps Businesses?

    Posted 05-19-2025 07:05 AM

    A recent article discusses how some companies are bringing DEI back quietly. Many companies haven't removed it. Instead they have renamed it. They see the value and know Gen Z and young Millenials strongly value it. 

    https://wtop.com/business-finance/2025/05/many-companies-that-rolled-back-dei-policies-are-quietly-bringing-them-back/



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    Michele Heyward A.M.ASCE
    Denmark SC
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  • 4.  RE: DEI Helps Businesses?

    Posted 05-19-2025 09:15 AM

    That's good news, Michele. Thanks for bringing it to our attention. Many managers understand the value of DEI, once they see what it is and does for the organization, whatever we call it. It still needs a name so that we can explain it to our staffs and clients, and the article points out some examples.

    One key to explaining it, as discussed in another thread, is to point out that we are doing it to ensure organizational success, not achieve a specific head count. Finding, hiring, and keeping the best people requires the extra effort that we have called EEO, AA, DEI, and others. My experience has been that even vocal opponents can be swayed by that argument.

    Bill Mc



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    William McAnally Ph.D., P.E., BC.CE, BC.NE, F.ASCE
    ENGINEER
    Columbus MS
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    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: DEI Helps Businesses?

    Posted 05-19-2025 10:11 AM

    My hope is that the principles of "DEI" never die however they are named. The reasons for the DEI movement still exist. 

    Names have power, but don't change the thing being named. As Shakespeare aptly wrote, "A rose by any other name would smell as sweet". A thing's essence, beauty, or value is not determined by its name. Labels or names don't change the actual nature of something.



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    Renee Kimball A.M.ASCE
    K2N Crest
    Oak Brook IL
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    Original Message


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