{"id":52794,"date":"2025-01-29T16:08:50","date_gmt":"2025-01-29T21:08:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/seramount.com\/?p=52794"},"modified":"2025-12-08T18:47:51","modified_gmt":"2025-12-08T23:47:51","slug":"what-is-dei-really","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/seramount.com\/articles\/what-is-dei-really\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is DEI (Really)?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The executive orders<\/a> from President Trump\u2019s administration have painted a startling and deeply inaccurate picture of DEI efforts. Terms such as \u201cillegal discrimination<\/a>,\u201d \u201cradical and wasteful government DEI programs and preferencing<\/a>\u201d and \u201cdangerous, demeaning, and immoral race- and sex-based preferences<\/a>\u201d dominate the language, leaving many confused\u2014or outright misled\u2014about what DEI truly is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For those of us working to build more equitable and inclusive workplaces and communities, this rhetoric can feel like a direct attack. But more importantly, it underscores how much misunderstanding surrounds DEI.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this blog, we\u2019ll break down the misconceptions embedded in these claims, one by one. We\u2019ll unpack the rhetoric, challenge the narrative, and offer a clear understanding of what DEI really<\/em> stands for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read <\/em>our expert analysis<\/em><\/a> of what the new administration\u2019s latest executive orders mean for DEI <\/em>here<\/em><\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

DEI Is Not \u201cIllegal Discrimination\u201d<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The argument often goes like this: People are supposedly being hired, promoted, or admitted to schools based solely on their race, gender, or other identity markers\u2014not their qualifications or abilities. In fact, Trump\u2019s executive order directly calls for \u201crestoring merit-based opportunity.\u201d But this framing fundamentally reflects a misunderstanding of what DEI is about.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

DEI isn\u2019t about lowering standards or filling quotas. It\u2019s about acknowledging that merit isn\u2019t always visible in the same way for everyone\u2014and that opportunity hasn\u2019t been distributed equally. Someone born without access to privilege, networks, or resources simply may not have been given a fair chance to thrive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Take supplier diversity<\/a>\u2014a key tenant of corporate DEI work\u2014as an example. Large corporations don\u2019t engage with small, diverse businesses out of charity or at the expense of quality. They partner with them because these businesses often provide innovative, high-quality products or services that improve outcomes for both the company and its customers. Supplier diversity programs are designed to give these businesses\u2014many of which lack the same networks or opportunities as larger firms\u2014a chance to compete. They level the playing field, allowing merit to shine. And when they succeed, it benefits everyone: the small business, the corporation, and the community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Their success isn\u2019t solely the result of individual merit but also of the opportunities consistently available to them.<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The same principles apply to the workforce. Consider the current Fortune 500 CEOs: They are undoubtedly skilled and hardworking. However, their success isn\u2019t solely the result of individual merit but also of the opportunities consistently available to them. If success were purely based on merit, the demographics of leadership would more closely align with the talent pool. Instead, just 10.4 percent are women<\/a>, despite women making up nearly half the workforce. These figures don\u2019t reflect a lack of merit among women professionals; they reflect systemic barriers and biases that have limited their opportunities to advance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ultimately, DEI isn\u2019t about displacing one group to elevate another; it\u2019s about building opportunity and creating structures where everyone, regardless of their background, has a fair shot to succeed. It\u2019s about opening doors that have been historically closed, not to take away, but to add, expanding the pool of leadership talent and enriching our collective potential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

DEI Is Not \u201cWasteful Spending\u201d<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s easy to label DEI programs as \u201ccost centers,\u201d especially when their most visible initiatives focus on employee support or engagement. But this view misses the tangible business value DEI delivers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Take recruitment and retention, for example. In today\u2019s values-driven workforce, employees expect their employers to align with principles of equity and inclusion. In fact, 76 percent of candidates and workers<\/a> say a diverse workforce is a key factor when evaluating job offers. On the flip side, nearly 40 percent<\/a> of employees have said they would quit their jobs if their organization took a political stance they disagreed with\u2014a costly outcome when replacing an employee can cost up to 150 percent<\/a> of their annual salary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We saw this dynamic play out at The Washington Post<\/em>, where the decision to not endorse Vice President Kamala Harris\u2019s presidential bid led to the resignation of many employees, even celebrated journalists. This wasn\u2019t just a blow to the paper\u2019s reputation; more than a quarter-million subscribers canceled their accounts, delivering a significant financial hit to an industry already struggling with declining readership.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That\u2019s because consumers expect the brands they support to reflect their values too: Seventy-five percent of shoppers<\/a> say a brand\u2019s diversity reputation influences their purchasing decisions. Last year, the Human Rights Campaign Foundation examined this phenomenon in the automotive industry, finding that Ford and Toyota could lose over $2 billion in sales<\/a> from LGBTQ+ consumers alone due to DEI rollbacks. The message is clear: Neglecting DEI risks alienating entire markets, directly impacting a company\u2019s bottom line.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Miami Heat saw the upside of getting this right. After discovering that their merchandise failed to offer inclusive sizing, they launched the women-led \u201cCourt Culture\u201d line, featuring stylish, size-inclusive apparel that gave all fans the chance to represent their team proudly. Fans who had long felt excluded connected more deeply with the franchise, and the results were immediate: a stronger fan base and measurable revenue growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Smart companies are already capitalizing on these benefits. Despite the pushback, Costco has doubled down on DEI, pointing to how its culture and values reflect the needs of its customers. JPMorgan Chase\u2019s CEO, Jamie Dimon, has echoed this sentiment, stating that diversity initiatives \u201chave been good for the bank\u2019s bottom line.\u201d These companies understand that DEI isn\u2019t a philanthropic gesture\u2014it\u2019s a competitive edge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And with demographic shifts accelerating, that edge is only growing. By 2045, the United States will be minority White, and multiracial populations are expected to surge by 200 percent by 2060, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. DEI isn\u2019t wasteful spending\u2014it\u2019s how companies future-proof their business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

DEI Is Not \u201cImmoral Race- and Sex-Based Preferences\u201d<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Labeling DEI as \u201crace- and sex-based preferences\u201d ignores the vast scope of what DEI actually encompasses. Every day, organizations implement DEI initiatives that support a wide range of employees: veterans receiving specialized training programs, people with disabilities accessing workplace accommodations, working parents utilizing flexible schedules, older workers benefiting from age-inclusive hiring practices\u2014the list goes on. Nearly everyone in today\u2019s workforce either benefits directly from these initiatives or works alongside someone who does.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This reality highlights a crucial truth: DEI isn\u2019t about creating preferences based on identity; it\u2019s about recognizing and responding to the diverse needs that exist in any workplace.<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

This reality highlights a crucial truth: DEI isn\u2019t about creating preferences based on identity; it\u2019s about recognizing and responding to the diverse needs that exist in any workplace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When a military spouse receives relocation support, when an employee with ADHD gets noise-canceling headphones, or when a working parent adjusts their schedule for childcare, these aren\u2019t \u201cpreferences\u201d; they\u2019re accommodations that enable talented individuals to contribute fully to their organizations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even more importantly, these initiatives often create ripple effects that improve the workplace for everyone. This is best illustrated by what\u2019s known as the \u201ccurb-cut effect.\u201d Originally, curb cuts in sidewalks were designed specifically for wheelchair users. Yet today, these simple modifications benefit everyone: parents with strollers, delivery workers, travelers with luggage, cyclists, etc. The same principle applies to workplace DEI initiatives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Consider closed-captioning technology. What began as an accommodation for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community has evolved into a widely used tool that benefits countless others: employees working in noisy environments, international teams navigating language differences, and anyone who processes information better through reading than listening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Removing DEI initiatives wouldn\u2019t just impact certain demographics; it would eliminate many workplace advancements that have become essential to modern, effective organizations. That\u2019s why labeling DEI as \u201cimmoral\u201d reflects a profound misunderstanding of its true impact. Far from being discriminatory, DEI initiatives have consistently shown how making the workplace more accessible and supportive for some ends up creating better environments for all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Bottom Line<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The recent executive orders and political rhetoric surrounding DEI are certainly unnerving. Yet, even as these challenges mount, the evidence remains clear: Well-designed DEI initiatives are not discriminatory or wasteful; they strengthen organizations, drive innovation, and create better workplaces for everyone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Despite the political headwinds, support for DEI remains strong. According to Seramount research<\/a>, 76 percent of employees are committed to helping their companies combat racism and injustice, and 78 percent believe inclusivity is vital to their workplace. This widespread commitment provides a solid foundation for organizations to continue advancing DEI, even in uncertain times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As political pressures shift, the private sector must take the lead in fostering inclusive workplaces that drive business success. At Seramount, we remain dedicated to helping organizations navigate these challenges\u2014providing cutting-edge research, real-time insights, and opportunities for companies to share best practices. Contact us<\/em><\/a> to see how we can work together.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"from<\/a><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The executive orders from President Trump\u2019s administration have painted a startling and deeply inaccurate picture of DEI efforts. Terms such as \u201cillegal discrimination,\u201d \u201cradical and wasteful government DEI programs and preferencing\u201d and \u201cdangerous, demeaning, and immoral race- and sex-based preferences\u201d dominate the language, leaving many confused\u2014or outright misled\u2014about what DEI truly is. For those of […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8080,"featured_media":52796,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[366],"tags":[614,57],"class_list":["post-52794","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-dei-strategy-and-measurement","tag-inclusive-leadership","tag-policy-and-legal-compliance"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nWhat Is DEI (Really)? | Seramount<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/seramount1stg.wpengine.com\/articles\/what-is-dei-really\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"What Is DEI (Really)?\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"The executive orders from President Trump\u2019s administration have painted a startling and deeply inaccurate picture of DEI efforts. Terms such as \u201cillegal discrimination,\u201d \u201cradical and wasteful government DEI programs and preferencing\u201d and \u201cdangerous, demeaning, and immoral race- and sex-based preferences\u201d dominate the language, leaving many confused\u2014or outright misled\u2014about what DEI truly is. For those of […]\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/seramount1stg.wpengine.com\/articles\/what-is-dei-really\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Seramount\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/seramount\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2025-01-29T21:08:50+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-12-08T23:47:51+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/seramount1stg.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Copy-of-Seramount-Blogs-to-edit-52.png\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1024\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"529\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/png\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Willow Cosenza\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@Seramount\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@Seramount\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Willow Cosenza\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"7 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/seramount1stg.wpengine.com\/articles\/what-is-dei-really\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/seramount1stg.wpengine.com\/articles\/what-is-dei-really\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Willow Cosenza\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/seramount1stg.wpengine.com\/#\/schema\/person\/66aaae055870715504a0f0102d72c9f4\"},\"headline\":\"What Is DEI (Really)?\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-01-29T21:08:50+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-12-08T23:47:51+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/seramount1stg.wpengine.com\/articles\/what-is-dei-really\/\"},\"wordCount\":1482,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/seramount1stg.wpengine.com\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/seramount1stg.wpengine.com\/articles\/what-is-dei-really\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/seramount.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Copy-of-Seramount-Blogs-to-edit-52.png\",\"keywords\":[\"Inclusive Leadership\",\"Policy And Legal Compliance\"],\"articleSection\":[\"DEI Strategy and Measurement\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/seramount1stg.wpengine.com\/articles\/what-is-dei-really\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/seramount1stg.wpengine.com\/articles\/what-is-dei-really\/\",\"name\":\"What Is DEI (Really)? | Seramount\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/seramount1stg.wpengine.com\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/seramount1stg.wpengine.com\/articles\/what-is-dei-really\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/seramount1stg.wpengine.com\/articles\/what-is-dei-really\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/seramount.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Copy-of-Seramount-Blogs-to-edit-52.png\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-01-29T21:08:50+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-12-08T23:47:51+00:00\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/seramount1stg.wpengine.com\/articles\/what-is-dei-really\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/seramount1stg.wpengine.com\/articles\/what-is-dei-really\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/seramount1stg.wpengine.com\/articles\/what-is-dei-really\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/seramount.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Copy-of-Seramount-Blogs-to-edit-52.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/seramount.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Copy-of-Seramount-Blogs-to-edit-52.png\",\"width\":1024,\"height\":529,\"caption\":\"dei cover\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/seramount1stg.wpengine.com\/articles\/what-is-dei-really\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/seramount.com\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"What Is DEI (Really)?\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/seramount1stg.wpengine.com\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/seramount1stg.wpengine.com\/\",\"name\":\"Seramount\",\"description\":\"Seramount | Comprehensive Talent and DEI solutions\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/seramount1stg.wpengine.com\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/seramount1stg.wpengine.com\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/seramount1stg.wpengine.com\/#organization\",\"name\":\"Seramount\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/seramount1stg.wpengine.com\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/seramount1stg.wpengine.com\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/seramount.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/171348140_10151676477029977_980877226823271416_n.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/seramount.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/171348140_10151676477029977_980877226823271416_n.jpg\",\"width\":400,\"height\":400,\"caption\":\"Seramount\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/seramount1stg.wpengine.com\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/seramount\/\",\"https:\/\/x.com\/Seramount\",\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/seramount\"]},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/seramount1stg.wpengine.com\/#\/schema\/person\/66aaae055870715504a0f0102d72c9f4\",\"name\":\"Willow Cosenza\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/seramount1stg.wpengine.com\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/9aedde0f81842794df8817971e02cf4632f13579aa6458f8b4bcf03928a6c9b9?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/9aedde0f81842794df8817971e02cf4632f13579aa6458f8b4bcf03928a6c9b9?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"Willow Cosenza\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\/\/seramount.com\"],\"url\":\"https:\/\/seramount.com\/articles\/author\/wcosenzaeab-com\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO Premium plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"What Is DEI (Really)? | Seramount","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/seramount1stg.wpengine.com\/articles\/what-is-dei-really\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"What Is DEI (Really)?","og_description":"The executive orders from President Trump\u2019s administration have painted a startling and deeply inaccurate picture of DEI efforts. Terms such as \u201cillegal discrimination,\u201d \u201cradical and wasteful government DEI programs and preferencing\u201d and \u201cdangerous, demeaning, and immoral race- and sex-based preferences\u201d dominate the language, leaving many confused\u2014or outright misled\u2014about what DEI truly is. For those of […]","og_url":"https:\/\/seramount1stg.wpengine.com\/articles\/what-is-dei-really\/","og_site_name":"Seramount","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/seramount\/","article_published_time":"2025-01-29T21:08:50+00:00","article_modified_time":"2025-12-08T23:47:51+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1024,"height":529,"url":"https:\/\/seramount1stg.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Copy-of-Seramount-Blogs-to-edit-52.png","type":"image\/png"}],"author":"Willow Cosenza","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_creator":"@Seramount","twitter_site":"@Seramount","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Willow Cosenza","Est. reading time":"7 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/seramount1stg.wpengine.com\/articles\/what-is-dei-really\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/seramount1stg.wpengine.com\/articles\/what-is-dei-really\/"},"author":{"name":"Willow Cosenza","@id":"https:\/\/seramount1stg.wpengine.com\/#\/schema\/person\/66aaae055870715504a0f0102d72c9f4"},"headline":"What Is DEI (Really)?","datePublished":"2025-01-29T21:08:50+00:00","dateModified":"2025-12-08T23:47:51+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/seramount1stg.wpengine.com\/articles\/what-is-dei-really\/"},"wordCount":1482,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/seramount1stg.wpengine.com\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/seramount1stg.wpengine.com\/articles\/what-is-dei-really\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/seramount.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Copy-of-Seramount-Blogs-to-edit-52.png","keywords":["Inclusive Leadership","Policy And Legal Compliance"],"articleSection":["DEI Strategy and Measurement"],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/seramount1stg.wpengine.com\/articles\/what-is-dei-really\/","url":"https:\/\/seramount1stg.wpengine.com\/articles\/what-is-dei-really\/","name":"What Is DEI (Really)? | Seramount","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/seramount1stg.wpengine.com\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/seramount1stg.wpengine.com\/articles\/what-is-dei-really\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/seramount1stg.wpengine.com\/articles\/what-is-dei-really\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/seramount.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Copy-of-Seramount-Blogs-to-edit-52.png","datePublished":"2025-01-29T21:08:50+00:00","dateModified":"2025-12-08T23:47:51+00:00","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/seramount1stg.wpengine.com\/articles\/what-is-dei-really\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/seramount1stg.wpengine.com\/articles\/what-is-dei-really\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/seramount1stg.wpengine.com\/articles\/what-is-dei-really\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/seramount.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Copy-of-Seramount-Blogs-to-edit-52.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/seramount.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Copy-of-Seramount-Blogs-to-edit-52.png","width":1024,"height":529,"caption":"dei cover"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/seramount1stg.wpengine.com\/articles\/what-is-dei-really\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/seramount.com\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"What Is DEI (Really)?"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/seramount1stg.wpengine.com\/#website","url":"https:\/\/seramount1stg.wpengine.com\/","name":"Seramount","description":"Seramount | Comprehensive Talent and DEI solutions","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/seramount1stg.wpengine.com\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/seramount1stg.wpengine.com\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/seramount1stg.wpengine.com\/#organization","name":"Seramount","url":"https:\/\/seramount1stg.wpengine.com\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/seramount1stg.wpengine.com\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/seramount.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/171348140_10151676477029977_980877226823271416_n.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/seramount.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/171348140_10151676477029977_980877226823271416_n.jpg","width":400,"height":400,"caption":"Seramount"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/seramount1stg.wpengine.com\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/seramount\/","https:\/\/x.com\/Seramount","https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/seramount"]},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/seramount1stg.wpengine.com\/#\/schema\/person\/66aaae055870715504a0f0102d72c9f4","name":"Willow Cosenza","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/seramount1stg.wpengine.com\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/9aedde0f81842794df8817971e02cf4632f13579aa6458f8b4bcf03928a6c9b9?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/9aedde0f81842794df8817971e02cf4632f13579aa6458f8b4bcf03928a6c9b9?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"Willow Cosenza"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/seramount.com"],"url":"https:\/\/seramount.com\/articles\/author\/wcosenzaeab-com\/"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/seramount.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/52794","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/seramount.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/seramount.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/seramount.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/8080"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/seramount.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=52794"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/seramount.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/52794\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":58034,"href":"https:\/\/seramount.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/52794\/revisions\/58034"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/seramount.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/52796"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/seramount.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=52794"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/seramount.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=52794"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/seramount.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=52794"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}