In an article for The Conversation, McGill University Lecturer Simon Blanchette argues that EDI initiatives are being rolled back under the guise of progress. Blanchette suggests that terms like “belonging” and “community” are increasingly replacing “equity” in organizational language, which may result in institutions losing focus on genuine engagement with communities affected by systemic discrimination. While equity frameworks offer measurable goals, Blanchette contends that “belonging” and “community” frameworks are more vague and easier to sidestep. To support those advancing equity, he makes several recommendations including that organizations set explicit equity objectives and empower diverse voices in decision-making.
