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Celebrating diversity, striving for equality and inclusion, and creating a sense of belongingness have been integral to human civilization since time immemorial. The journey towards fostering a more inclusive society has seen significant milestones, with the evolution of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) training playing a pivotal role. From secret meetings of skilled trades in 1816 to the global focus on racial equity in 2020, the trajectory of DEI training reflects the ever-changing landscape of societal values and norms.
The Roots: 1816 - 1960s
The origins of DEI training can be traced back to the post-War of 1812 era when skilled trades, or "journeymen," met in secret combinations in Halifax, NS. Fast forward to the 1960s, where the Civil Rights Movement laid the foundation for addressing discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. In Canada, the emergence of anti-racism education in the 1960s, driven by activists marked a significant leap towards a more inclusive society.
1970s - 1980s: Gender Equality and Multiculturalism
The 1970s and 1980s witnessed the rise of gender equality education as more women entered the workforce. Meanwhile, Canada took a historic step with the Multiculturalism Act in 1988, aiming to protect cultural heritage, reduce discrimination, and encourage multicultural programs.
1990s - 2010s: Affirmative Action and Broadening Focus
The 1990s saw the implementation of Affirmative Action policies in the United States, addressing historical and systemic discrimination. Organizations globally began implementing diversity training programs to promote cultural awareness and inclusivity. In the 2000s, the focus broadened to include equity and inclusion, addressing issues related to gender, sexual orientation, disability, and other dimensions of diversity.
2010s: Integration into Corporate Culture
DEI principles became integral to corporate culture in the 2010s. Training programs evolved to cover unconscious bias, microaggressions, and cultural competence. However, a shift was needed as traditional training methods proved ineffective in promoting workplace diversity and harmony.
2015: Global Diversity and Inclusion Benchmark Standards
The introduction of Global Diversity and Inclusion Benchmark Standards provided organizations with a framework for improvement. Studies, such as McKinsey & Company's findings, highlighted the positive correlation between racial and ethnic diversity and financial performance.
2018: #MeToo Movement and Criticism
The #MeToo movement in 2018 prompted organizations to strengthen harassment prevention training. However, criticism arose as studies found bias-focused training had limited effects, especially among those holding power.
2020 - 2021: Racial Equity and Formalized Policies
The death of George Floyd in 2020 intensified the focus on racial equity. Organizations revamped DEI initiatives, leading to a surge in DEI job creation. By 2021, comprehensive DEI policies became a standard, reflecting commitments in all aspects of operations.
2022 and Beyond: Continuous Evolution
DEI training continues to evolve, incorporating emerging issues and feedback. Organizations emphasize ongoing education, allyship, and measurement of DEI initiatives' impact on workplace culture and representation. Managerial attitudes have shifted positively, with CEOs recognizing DEI as a personal strategic priority.
The Future of DEI Training:
As we look to the future, census data reveals a growing ethnically diverse population in Canada, with ambitious immigration goals. Gender identity census data emphasizes the need for inclusivity, showing that approximately one in 300 people aged 15 and older in Canada identify as transgender or non-binary.
Companies aiming to stay competitive will continue to adopt DEI practices, recognizing the business case for diversity. The shift towards transformational learning will focus on building core competencies of leaders, transforming organizations, and the communities we live in.
The journey of DEI training reflects the ongoing evolution of societal norms and values. From humble beginnings in secret meetings to a global movement in the 21st century, DEI training remains essential for building inclusive workplaces and societies. As we move forward, the emphasis on continuous learning, allyship, and adapting to emerging issues will be crucial for creating a truly equitable and inclusive future.
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