Diversity, equity, and inclusion, or DEI, are trendy topics in today’s world. So, what do they mean? Diversity, equity, and inclusion are interconnected concepts that aim to ensure fair treatment, representation, and a sense of belonging for all individuals, particularly those historically marginalized. The concept of DEI has roots in social justice movements of the 1950s and 1960s, particularly in the United States and the United Kingdom. Those movements advocated for civil rights, gender equality, and non-discrimination, among other issues.
Over time, DEI has evolved into a framework for organizations to address systemic inequalities, promote human rights, and foster ethical and socially responsible practices. Today, it is a trendy term that some argue has been misinterpreted. Below is a helpful characterization of DEI with a focus on society in general:
As the chairperson of the Synchrony Scholarship for Autistic Students of Color, I would like to share some insights I have gained from this labor of love in the context of DEI. I have been a member of OAR’s Board of Directors for over 20 years and served as a reviewer for our scholarship programs. The recent addition of the Synchrony Scholarship for people of color has allowed me to be the chair of our newest endeavor in the world of funding two-/four-year higher education programs. Individuals on the spectrum face multiple hurdles in society. Once the aspect of color is introduced, these hurdles are only intensified.
How does the Synchrony Scholarship fit into the effort to help individuals of color on the autism spectrum? It is another step forward in OAR’s efforts to allow individuals on the spectrum to not only fit into the greater society but to excel. The Synchrony Scholarship (not to be confused with OAR’s Synchrony Tech Scholarship) furthers our work to increase the representation of our neurodiverse community in general and, more specifically, the representation of autistic people of color. In my review of the Synchrony applications, one of my biggest realizations is the perseverance of the applicants. To say some of their stories are inspiring would be a gross understatement. Their experiences illuminate each DEI pillar in distinct ways.
In the context of DEI, what does that mean? Our Synchrony Scholarship enables OAR to address the issue of diversity from not only a disability perspective, but also a perspective of race. Education has always been one of the great equalizers in our society. These applicants’ submissions display a certain courage in the face of insurmountable odds from both an academic perspective, as well as a social one. What they are bringing to the table are viewpoints and experiences that are not as commonly seen in the academic environment. They are expanding their universe and the universe of their academic peers. They are saying, “I am different and that is okay. I love myself enough to step out into the world.”
How do these scholarships advance equity and inclusion? The Synchrony Scholarship is about equity—ensuring that individuals have access to the resources and opportunities they need to succeed. These applicants are demanding their opportunity to succeed in the academic world by putting themselves out there for all the bumps and bruises that come with making a case for their greater engagement in the community. Our applications ask the students to write about both their positive and negative experiences. In reviewing the applications, I have read applicants’ stories about being told they don’t belong or being ridiculed for being different by their peers. Their courage to tell their story in order to advance in society can be heartbreaking at times. Their applications make the case for fairness in the process without diminishing their peers’ opportunities, but allowing them to also have a reasonable chance to compete.
Finally, on the concept of inclusion, as I reflect on our applicants’ stories, they have been able to convert some of their critics into supporters. I believe that inclusion is a responsibility for all in our community. I can talk about inclusion until the cows come home, but without the support of our friends and neighbors, it is only a dream. For individuals to feel valued, respected, and integrated, all individuals have a role to play. Inclusion is more than representation; it is focused on the quality of participation and engagement. To paraphrase one disability rights activist, “I don’t think I felt, really, shame about my disability. What I felt more was exclusion.” We are not just talking about a seat at the table, but active engagement in the activity.
DEI is a core value for OAR and our community. There is a need to continue to educate society on DEI and how it relates to our community. Academic scholarships are another tool in our education toolbox. The Synchrony Scholarship makes it possible for more of our younger generations to engage with the larger society, to educate the larger society, to normalize our interaction with the larger society, and to be a good friend. DEI is a concept that allows us in the autism community to dream of a day when our kids are simply considered one of the kids without any special labels. I experience that dream on a smaller scale when I call our scholarship winners and hear the boundless joy in their voices upon hearing that they have won a scholarship. This experience needs to be available to many, not just a few.
DEI is holistic approach that combines diversity (representation), equity (fairness) and inclusion (belonging) to create an environment where all individuals can thrive, contribute meaningfully, and access opportunities regardless of their background or identity. The stories shared by our scholarship applicants are not all sunshine and roses, but they do reflect progress.
Gregory L. Smith is a lead associate at Booz Allen Hamilton in the Air Force Market in the Washington, DC area. He has been with Booz Allen since 1999. Prior to that, he served 20 years in the Air Force. He is a member of OAR’s board of directors and runs the Marine Corps Marathon 10K as part of OAR’s RUN FOR AUTISM team. He and his wife reside in Lorton, Va., and have one adult daughter who has autism.
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