5 Things / The Rebrand
At a keynote Q&A this week, an audience member asked, “How do we make mandatory DEI training successful?” My quick response was: “Call it something else.”
A Conference Board survey of 60 executives found that over 50% of their firms have “adjusted terminology” while continuing the fundamental work. Rebrand it however you want. My vision is for DEI to be the default, where equity and inclusion considerations are just how things are smartly done in business.
I know we’re better than weaponizing DEI in election ads and that, overall, the division in the U.S. is overblown. Although there’s no doubt the tension is real, call it whatever you want, but keep up your everyday actions toward equal opportunity, respect, and kindness, and we’ll be just fine.
Here Are This Week's Good Vibes:
Inclusive Dentistry Is More Than Words
The University of Illinois Chicago’s Inclusive Care Clinic is reshaping dental care for patients with disabilities by adding wheelchair-accessible equipment with a lifting mechanism to position patients safely, eliminating the need for transfers. The clinic also offers rooms where patients can decompress with calming lights and tailored music. Dental students gain specific training on inclusive care and hands-on experience at the clinic. ♐This clinic is not only improving dental outcomes but also addressing a critical gap in accessible healthcare.
Long-Overdue Apology Hits Home
President Biden formally apologized to Native Americans for the harm caused by government-run boarding schools that separated Indigenous children from their families. Highlighting the abuses and loss of life from this practice, Biden acknowledged this painful history as a “blot on American history.” Over 18,000 children were taken, over a 150-year period that ended in 1969, and at least 973 died. ♐Recognizing past harm builds trust and accountability.
Neurodiverse Stars in the Spotlight
PBS KIDS debuted Carl the Collector, an animated series following Carl, an autistic raccoon, and his neurodivergent friends. Set in Fuzzytown, Carl’s adventures showcase each character’s unique strengths, creating space for empathy and understanding around neurodiversity. The show’s authenticity shines through its neurodiverse creative team and casting, reflecting a thoughtful, inclusive production. ♐Amplify diverse voices in your organization, celebrate individual strengths, and invest in inclusive projects that reflect authentic experiences.
Respect in Every Pour
The Dead Rabbit and The Irish Exit bars in New York have been renamed “Black & Tans, a drink with a name tied to a painful history.” Instead, they’ll offer the “50/50” as an alternative, keeping Irish culture respected and authentic. The Black and Tan name recalls historical trauma from the Irish War of Independence. The bars previously removed the “Irish Car Bomb” drink from their menus. These decisions reinforce their mission to challenge stereotypes and foster a mindful celebration of Irish heritage. ♐Diversity means everybody.
Neurodivergent Nights
The Seats on the Spectrum initiative is redefining theater accessibility by offering neurodivergent-friendly seats for regular Broadway shows. Last year only 9,000 autism-friendly tickets were available compared to 12.3 million attendees. Starting this fall, participating theaters are making aisle seats, calming spaces, and sensory-friendly materials like fidget toys and headphones available for all shows. The program also involves staff training and educational resources to promote awareness and smooth the experience. ♐Inclusion can be an everyday thing if you build it into the way things are done.
Good Vibes to Go:
Watch Rez Ball on Netflix. It’s a drama about a high school basketball team in New Mexico competing for the state championship. I loved the authenticity of the storytelling.