[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 51 (Friday, March 22, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E280]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      CRITICAL IMPORTANCE OF DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION (DEI)

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOYCE BEATTY

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, March 22, 2024

  Mrs. BEATTY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to underscore the critical 
importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) across America--a 
subject deeply personal to me, as a Black woman.
  Generations of separate and unequal education, housing, employment, 
and compensation have left Black Americans at a persistent 
disadvantage. DEI holds our Nation accountable for this unjust and 
unequal treatment that began with slavery and segregation and continues 
with policies and practices that persist in discriminating against 
Black people denying them equal opportunity and treatment.
  The statistics are stark: non-white school districts receive $2,226 
less per student on average, contributing to an achievement gap that 
reduces Black students' college attendance and lifetime earnings by 65 
percent. Even with advanced degrees, African American women earn 
significantly less than their white male counterparts and still less 
than white males with less education. African American women holding 
advanced degrees, such as a master's, earn $7 less per hour than 
Caucasian men with a bachelor's degree, and $17 less per hour than 
their Caucasian male peers.
  Furthermore, systemic biases persist in financial systems, where 
Black families earning substantially more than white families are still 
less likely to qualify for loans. A Black family earning $157,000 per 
year is less likely to qualify for a loan than a white family earning 
$40,000. DEI efforts must continue to level the playing field and 
establish a meritocracy reflecting our national values.
  While correcting for the injustice of the past and present, DEI is a 
tool of intention, shaping our national protectory. It compels us to 
strategically engage all our country's talent to compete in the global 
marketplace of today and tomorrow.
  In today's fiercely competitive global economy, America's innovation, 
and adaptability hinge on our ability to harness the talents and 
perspectives of all our citizens. By cultivating diverse talent 
pipelines and fostering inclusive practices, we not only enhance our 
competitiveness but also lead in the global arena. Companies embracing 
DEI outperform their peers, with McKinsey studies showing a significant 
profitability gap between leading DEI practicing organizations and 
those lagging. Companies in the fourth quartile of both gender and 
ethnic diversity were 27 percent more likely to underperform on 
profitability than all other companies in their peer group.
  Despite the proven benefits of DEI, right-wing conservatives seek to 
dismantle these efforts, perpetuating racial hostility and 
discrimination. Workplace discrimination lawsuits have surged, and hate 
crimes continue to rise to record levels year after year, in their 
wake, underscoring the urgent need for DEI to counteract these trends 
and increase awareness of each other's humanity and perspective.
  The DEI journey we have embarked upon is not just about numbers or 
statistics; it's about the fundamental values that define who we are as 
a Nation and our ability to thrive economically.
  Let us recommit to DEI policies not only for the Black community but 
for all marginalized groups. Our diversity is our greatest asset, and 
by embracing it, we can forge a brighter, more prosperous America for 
all.

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