Oprah Winfrey & Ava DuVernay Push for Inclusion, Not Diversity
Oprah Winfrey and Ava DuVernay are pushing for the term ‘inclusion’, not ‘diversity.’ “Forward-thinking people and allies of this cause within the industry have the common sense to know that [discrimination] is systemic,” says DuVernay. “There needs to be more done than applauding one or two people who make it through your door.”
Find out more in this article from the Hollywood Reporter.
I agree with Oprah and Ava DuVernay! Diversity will get you the numbers and get you a diverse workplace by employing individuals of different races and genders but Inclusion is most important. Inclusion means that everyone is embraced and included in the mission of an organization. Without a focus on inclusion, many are left out of the overall mission and feel isolated in the workplace and this can happen without any diversity at all. There are many individuals who feel that what they bring to the table is not accepted and that their uniqueness is not included and they are not always people of color or those from a diverse background.
We often add the word “Valuing” to define Diversity. With “Inclusion” the meaning is more clear. If we not only accept our differences but embrace them through Inclusion, we’re on the right path.