DEI and Religion

When most people think of DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) efforts, they think about skin color and get stuck there. DEI is also about culture, religion, gender identity, age, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, nationality, neurodiversity, ethnicity, and other things that make individuals unique. Discussing them all in one post could be overwhelming so I’m sticking with religion for today.

Some basic things that everyone can do are: be kind (obvious but some people still need to hear it), practice ACTIVE LISTENING (https://www.healthline.com/health/active-listening has a great guideline on this if you’re not sure how to), read up on other religions (you would probably be surprised at how similar many of them are), and ask thoughtful, respectful questions (AFTER you have done some research on your own).

If you are part of the hiring/selection process, whether for the workplace or an education program, stay mindful of the fact that professionalism sometimes looks different for other people. Sometimes, tenants of an individual’s religion are not compatible with typical Western standards of business etiquette. This can look like wearing long skirts, colorful clothing, or head coverings, to name a few. It does not mean your candidate cannot look professional and neatly kempt while also adhering to their religious dress code. It would be highly unprofessional to request they change their appearance to satisfy expectations that do not respect their religious beliefs. Additionally, some religions have strict rules regarding interactions; Practicing politeness for one person can appear avoidant or disrespectful to someone else. For example, some religions prohibit or restrict eye contact and handshaking. If your interviewee does not maintain strong eye contact or refuses a handshake, this does not necessarily mean they are trying to be rude.

Also, for those of you in positions of management, be mindful of important dates and holidays that your employees observe. Offer them the option to take that day off, preferably giving them the choice to work a holiday that they don’t observe instead of having to take PTO. If your office or clinic decorates for holidays like Christmas and Easter, offer to help your employee decorate for their holidays as well. It is important to be involved with these matters, as simply telling your employee they are allowed to decorate if they wish can leave them feeling isolated. It’s a lot less fun to adorn your space and celebrate by yourself while others just watch or pay no attention at all.

For coworkers and colleagues, you can also offer to help others decorate or prepare for holidays. If you’re the kind of person that goes the extra mile, you can turn this into a fun lunch and learn so all employees can get a taste of another culture. Ask how you can help create a space for them that feels safe and comfortable. For example, clearing a clean, quiet area for praying or staying mindful on days someone is fasting. When not partaking in food, water, social media, and other things for entire days at a time, people can start to feel unwell by the end of the work or school day. If you can, save discussions or questions for the next morning and be peaceful in the afternoons and evenings.

Extending kindness and understanding to others does not mean you are betraying your own beliefs. It does not mean you are converting or that your friend, coworker, or colleague is going to try to convert you. It simply means you are helping to create a more diverse and inclusive environment where cohesiveness and excellence can be fostered. It means that you are helping to create a space where not only employees, students, and colleagues feel welcomed, but clients, patients, and partners as well.

There are over 300 theistic religions and non-theistic philosophies practiced in the United States. Below, I have shared links about the seven with the largest followings in the US.

Christianity (followers are Christian): https://www.history.com/topics/religion/history-of-christianity

Judaism (followers are Jewish): https://torah.org/basics-of-judaism/

Islam (followers are Muslim): https://www.uri.org/kids/world-religions/muslim-beliefs

Buddhism (followers are Buddhist): https://tricycle.org/beginners/

Hinduism (followers are Hindu): https://www.hinduamerican.org/hinduism-basics

Atheism (adherents are Atheist): https://www.atheists.org/activism/resources/about-atheism/

Agnosticism (adherents are Agnostic): https://www.learnreligions.com/basic-facts-about-agnosticism-and-agnostics-248036#:~:text=Agnosticism%20is%20the%20Absence%20of,agnosticism%20in%20standard%2C%20unabridged%20dictionaries.

I’d love to hear about more experiences and suggestions, if you have them!