TBN #56

Written By Amber Benton

A Correction and a Takeover

Happy Friday, friend! Let’s catch up…

I recently logged into a Zoom event about diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and against my better judgment, I logged onto the meeting early. I know what you’re thinking…

One of the attendees, who was also in the Zoom meeting early, was unmuted and exclaimed “DEI has been taken over by the Blacks! I swear to God!” Then the attendee quickly logged off Zoom and did not return. 

While the comment was shocking, it is common anti-DEI rhetoric as of late. I believe the comment the attendee made deserves some unpacking and clarity especially given the current sociopolitical climate and recent events.

The acronym for diversity, equity, and inclusion—DEI—is being used as coded language and often used interchangeablely with Black people. For example, Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott was recently referred to as “Baltimore’s DEI Mayor”. This comment sent the interwebs into mass commentary and questions about what was really meant by calling Mayor Scott the “DEI Mayor.” Many came to the conclusion that in the best case, DEI was code for “Black.” In worst case scenarios, DEI was coded language for the n-word. 

I would also like to take a moment to offer a correction to last week’s newsletter. I shared an article about the Baltimore Bridge collapsing and I incorrectly hyperlinked the article as “DEI is to blame for the Brooklyn Bridge collapse?” The article focused on the Baltimore Bridge collapsing and should have been linked as “DEI is to blame for the Baltimore Bridge collapse?”

However, it is this type of anti-DEI and anti-Black rhetoric that emboldens people to make comments like “DEI is being taken over by the Blacks.” Since we are friends, I think it is important to establish some basics about the pathway into DEI in order to determine if DEI is being taken over by Black people.

Basics About The Pathway Into DEI

  • While it may be common to see People of Color, especially Black people, in DEI-titled roles, Black people hold the smallest shares of organizational leadership

  • There are structural barriers to attain leadership positions, including DEI positions, in public and private sectors of work. These barriers include, but not limited to, education requirements, previous leadership experience, knowledge of the company’s industry, and hiring and selection bias for leadership positions. This often disproportionately impacts Black candidates seeking leadership opportunities.

  • Corporate DEI leadership positions usually require a bachelor’s degree. However, in higher education, many DEI leadership positions require at least a Master’s degree. Often times, they require a terminal degree (PhD, MD, or JD) with many of the current leaders in these positions holding advanced degrees.

  • In higher education, Vice President/Vice Provost/Chief Diversity Officer positions require, or have a preference, for candidates to have an academic publication track record or be in the tenure-track system. Keep in mind that Black people make up 6 percent (6%) of faculty (with white people making up 73%) (Source).

  • This means, there is a small pool of Black faculty who would be eligible for higher ed leadership positions who require tenure or an academic publishing record.

  • According to a report by Zippia, corporate Chief Diversity Officers are majority white (76.1%). Black people comprise 3.8% of corporate CDO positions.

While we may hear of Black people in leadership positions, it is important to understand that Black people are still among the few and the only in their positions. Unfortunately, the data shows that DEI has not given Black people a career advantage over any other racial/ethnic group. 

I hope this information helps if you encounter anti-DEI conversations in your workplace.

WEEKLY UPDATE

good to know:

WHAT I’M UP TO:

Mood Booster for the Week 🎶: Felicia Temple - Party

What I’m Watching 📺 : The Girls on the Bus is the political drama I didn’t know I needed

What I’m Reading 📚: Be a Revolution: How Everyday People Are Fighting Oppression and Changing the World--And How You Can, Too by Ijeoma Oluo

What I’m Drinking 🚰: I caved and bought an emotional support water bottle

I’d love to hear from you!

What do you need to be better in work and in life? Send me a message or connect with me on social.

Get in touch

Amber Benton

Dr. Amber Benton (she/her/hers) is an educator, diversity/inclusion/equity (DEI) expert, and intergroup dialogue facilitator. She is an advocate for healthy workplace cultures with over a decade of professional experience. She has served as a Chief Diversity Officer for the past several years and holds master’s and doctoral degrees in education.

https://www.amberbenton.com
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