Why DEI:
Equity Work Matters
Our communities face increasing structural barriers to success; these barriers demand renewed attention.
Inequities Persist
Inequities in health, education, and economic opportunity remain deep.
“The racial wealth gap has grown wider over recent decades, with disparities in income, homeownership, and educational attainment persisting along racial lines.”
“These disparities are not accidental. They are the result of deeply entrenched systems, laws, policies, practices, and norms that disadvantage people of color, immigrants, and other groups.”
From “Community Foundations as Leaders of Place-Based Equity Work” co-published by CFLeads & Public Equity Group
Americans “Value” Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
The values underlying the terms “diversity,” “equity,” and “inclusion” have broad public support.
Organizations “are under extraordinary pressure to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion programs and services from both their internal and external operation. [However, Americans] value diversity, equity and inclusion. [Organizations] should listen and learn from their stakeholders what those values mean to them.”
Increasing Equity Helps Us All Thrive
Diversity is one of America’s greatest strengths, but its full potential is only realized when everyone has the opportunity to participate and thrive.
“The United States’s GDP would have increased by $3.5 trillion if we eliminated racial gaps in income”
Sources & References
“Community Foundations as Leaders of Place-Based Equity Work”
Co-published by CFLeads & Public Equity Group
PolicyLink National Equity Atlas
“The National Equity Atlas is America's most detailed report card on racial and economic equity”
Explore demographic, income, workforce, and other data for your region and nationally.
Loyola Marymount University Law School