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I’ve taken a while to give my full thoughts on DEI because it’s something that matters a lot to me. I wanted to make sure when I finally shared this that I was able to express everything I wanted to convey.

First and foremost, the purpose of DEI has always been to create an environment that is diverse, equitable and inclusive. And while the intention of DEI is important and one that should be embraced by all, I have no qualms about admitting that there are some cracks in the foundation.  Additionally, the way it’s been discussed among people who have no intention of truly learning what DEI is has only hindered its progress.  This is why we are seeing so many DEI programs and initiatives dismantled across the country.

What I’ve learned over the years is that people tend to think DEI only applies to Black people. I believe this stems in part from societal guilt: deep down, I think they know the Black community has not truly been included equitably in this country, and that our very history has affected the progress we have been allowed to make as a community.  When you have to embrace initiatives intended to fix an issue, you are admitting there was an issue to begin with.  Unfortunately, we have not fully reached that place in this country.

DEI should always include all marginalized groups and respect and honor their identities and ethnicities. This is where it has fallen short. There are limits to who people view as marginalized and why they’ve created that perspective, and I’d like to share some thoughts on that.

When we think of a marginalized group, we think of people who have been “othered” in some capacity, whether it’s because of their race, religion, ethnicity, identity or abilities. Unfortunately, the politics of this country have allowed for entirely too many groups to be marginalized. This is why we need DEI. But I’ve noticed that many people tend to forget certain groups that are historically marginalized in these conversations. For example, the Jewish community.

The Jewish community is typically not included in these conversations, and I think it’s because many people view the Jewish diaspora as being simply white. So it would make sense that you wouldn’t include them in these efforts because white people are not seen as marginalized. But that perception of the Jewish community as a whole is incorrect.

The Jewish diaspora is not only an ethno-religion but a multi-ethnic existence. Of course there are white Jews, but I’m blessed to know so many Black and Brown Jews and have heard them express their disappointment on their lack of inclusion. Knowing that only part of them is allowed to be included in these conversations is something that needs to be addressed. But even if you simply focus on just being Jewish, history will show us that this community has consistently been othered, no matter their race within the diaspora. They’ve been pushed out, ostracized and killed simply for being who they are. Many people either don’t know this or simply refuse to believe it.

Another misconception is that the Jewish community is not marginalized and doesn’t need to be included because they are “doing just fine”. But I’ve come to learn their resilience and ability to thrive is because of their internal connection. They are unified in a way that many marginalized communities aren’t. A lot of marginalized groups do not agree on the path forward, which fosters division and makes progress a more difficult task.

The Jewish community has a long history of being ostracized yet it has found ways to thrive internally, so the rest of the world may see the need for the Jewish community’s inclusion as being inconsequential: “Why should we include people who are doing well?” Well, they’ve been forced to do well on their own and support their own because of how they’ve been alienated. And as we have seen lately, the rise in hate towards their community shows even more so the undeniable need for us to be educated about every marginalized group’s struggles.

This is simply one example. There are other groups who aren’t included in DEI initiatives as well, and I honestly think aiming to include every single group that’s viewed as marginalized will only make the efforts and progress stronger. We can’t fight any fight alone. No matter our race, ethnicity, identity, abilities, religion or class. There truly is room at the table for everyone, but if we continue to gate-keep based on what we think we know and not what actually is, we will continue to hinder progress and liberation that would benefit everyone who needs it.