Centering Anti-Racism, Equity, and Inclusion

An Imperative for 21st Century Excellence

Abstract

With the rise in anti-racism movements, increasing visibility of inequities in society and changing demographics of the country, many institutions have responded with public statements, hiring of DEI leaders, and the establishment of new anti-racism task forces. The question is whether this moment will be a true inflection point to address the unfinished business of the past, or a repeat of patterns we have seen. This commentary urges institutions to make sure to see this work as an imperative for institutional excellence that requires increasing institutional capacity for diversity and understanding how anti-racism, equity, and inclusion are tied to strategic excellence in every domain of our institutions.