Justice for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility | Art Piece

On a blue background, big block letters DEIA across the image. Within the letters are drawings of different images. Going left to right, starting with D, the images are globe, inclusive pride flag, gender symbols together with blue and pink to signal gender equality, hands together in a circle of different skin tones, the active wheelchair symbol, and the disability pride flag. The words handwritten surrounding DEIA states, Justice for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Accessibility.

Like many people who work in the space of social justice and change, the situation in the United States is difficult to watch as Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is being removed from their policies. Especially when it creates a situation for others to follow or protest to meet their needs. More importantly, it shows how much diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility impacts the majority even if it is not clear to the individual’s point of view. How DEI includes ability, age, religion, gender, and so much more than the blanket statements of race, ethnicity, gender, and sexuality that is being the motivating factor in the messaging. Removing based on association instead of situations creates a ripple effect that may be harder to reverse. Not considering the intersectionality of experiences and trying to narrow people into boxes is going to leave people out. DEIA is important and justice is needed to gain, regain, and maintain the human rights for people. The labels can do a lot but understanding how it is being defined in different areas is showing importance in asking how it is perceived that is leading to decision-making we are seeing. It is critical to keep talking about it and taking action where it is within your ability and safely to push back the talk.

Amanda