What’s with DEI anyway?

The term “DEI” has become more commonplace in the last several years and that means countless lectures, awareness campaigns, and opinions. Yet, while opening some doors, we are faced with DEI fatigue; a position of disengaging with the term that doesn’t bring deep meaning or call to action to most people. 

But why? Why doesn’t DEI(B) (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging) typically get to the root of the issues that will help us reform human and animal well-being in the veterinary profession? A lot has to do with how we as individuals; we as clinic/hospital/shelter/company units; we as a profession; and we as a society understand DEI(B). 

Taking a step out of the veterinary profession to our society, let’s hear about DEI from Mueni Loko Rudd, former Senior Director of Research and Development at CARE, to help us understand a different perspective.

This course should help you to deconstruct the performative aspects of typical DEI initiatives. Such initiatives are commonly referred to as performative allyship.