Recent Op-Ed Poignantly Captures Why It’s Time for DEI 2.0
Committing to an aspirational vision of diversity, equity, and inclusion is exactly what philanthropy needs.
July 1, 2024 | Read Time: 1 minute
To the Editor:
Gara LaMarche’s recent article, “Civil Rights Are Under Siege. DEI 2.0 Is the Answer” (June 11), should be required reading for everyone working in philanthropy. LaMarche is spot on when he says the field needs to “emerge from its defensive crouch” while an organized assault on DEI threatens to roll back decades of progress.
As a managing partner at an executive talent firm for foundations and nonprofits, I’ve advised clients to double down on DEI commitments. Not only will they attract a diverse and talented candidate pool, but they’ll also send a clear message to others in the field that DEI remains a steadfast priority.
We’ve already ceded too much ground to those framing DEI as a threat to America. The reality is that each word in “DEI” — diversity, equity, and inclusion — represents values that are fundamental to philanthropy and the broader American experience.
It’s time for philanthropy to voice its support for LaMarche’s aspirational vision of DEI 2.0.
Vincent Robinson
Founder and Managing Partner
360 Group
