The Definition Of Diversity In The Workplace

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What is Diversity?

Diversity means understanding that each individual is unique and recognizing our individual differences. These can be along the dimensions of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, age, physical abilities, religious beliefs, political beliefs, or other ideologies. It is the exploration of these differences in a safe, positive, and nurturing environment. It is about understanding each other and moving beyond simple tolerance to embracing and celebrating dimensions of diversity contained within each individual. Diversity is a reality created by individuals and groups from a broad spectrum of demographic and philosophical differences. It is extremely important to support and protect diversity by valuing individuals and groups free from prejudice, and by fostering a climate where equity and mutual respect are essential.

History of Diversity in the workplace
In 1948, President Truman officially desegregated the armed forces with Executive Order 9981, which made discrimination based on “race, color, religion or natural origin” illegal for all members of the armed services. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 dealt a crucial blow to discrimination in the workforce by making it illegal for any business, private or public, to practice discriminatory hiring (and firing) practices. Today, we look at diversity as not just a moral issue, but a business issue. Personally, I believe that racial issues inside and outside of businesses will just