Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Policy
(with Acknowledgment)

Summary

This template is a diversity, equity, and inclusion policy that confirms an employer's commitment to a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment. This template includes practical guidance, drafting notes, and optional clauses. This template is intended for private employers. Employers may include this policy in an employee handbook or distribute it as a standalone policy. This diversity, equity, and inclusion policy is based on federal law. It does not address all potential state law distinctions; thus, you should check any relevant state and local laws. This template does not address affirmative action plans for government contractors and subcontractors. For more information on affirmative action plans required by the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs, see Affirmative Action Plans: OFCCP Compliance. [>] Video: To learn about affirmative action plans that the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) requires for certain federal contractors, watch Affirmative Action Plans Video. For information on state laws concerning discrimination, harassment, and retaliation, see Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation State Practice Notes Chart. For state laws concerning screening and hiring, see Screening and Hiring State Practice Notes Chart. For non-jurisdictional and state-specific templates on discrimination, harassment, and retaliation issues, see Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation State Expert Forms and Checklists Chart. For non-jurisdictional and state-specific templates on screening and hiring, see Screening and Hiring State Expert Forms Chart. For a training presentation to educate participants on the value of and barriers to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace, see Workplace Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Guidance: Training Presentation. For tracking of newly enacted laws affecting diversity initiatives and other key federal, state, and local Labor & Employment legal developments, see Labor & Employment Key Legal Developments Tracker (Current). For discussions regarding the U.S. Supreme Court's 2023 decision regarding the use of affirmative action in college and university admissions, and the impact on DEI programs, see U.S. Supreme Court: Affirmative Action in College Admissions Must Come to an End, Employer Steps To Protect DEI Plans Post-Affirmative Action, and 4 DEI Risks To Consider After High Court's Harvard Ruling.