Initiatives that value diversity, strive toward equity, and promote inclusive behaviors - yes, I said it: DEI initiatives - are so important for schools and businesses to implement.

These initiatives make it possible for people to live and work well together. 

They are not about favoring one protected class over another. 

They are about engaging all team members in ways that feel good to them. They are about collaboration, innovation, team success. They're about feeling valued, respected, and productive. 

Through these initiatives, we learn how to navigate in a complex, multicultural society. 

This month's roundup of articles provide insight into why initiatives to boost feelings of belonging are important. 

We hope they offer you constructive inspiration and a glimmer of hope; hope that companies and schools know why continuing their commitment to boosting feelings of belonging is the right thing to do.

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Racist incident pushes 12-year-old to write a book about her experience - We Are Iowa

An Urbandale middle schooler was targeted with racial slurs by her classmates. She decided to channel her negative experience into writing a children’s book and encourage others to accept and respect differences. 

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In towns like ours, the "news" isn't just a concept…It’s what happens to you and your loved ones - Of Spanglish and Maximalism 

Second graders in West Liberty said hateful things towards their classmates and teachers of Hispanic descent. Iowa writer Chuy Renteria reflects on his own experiences dealing with racism at a young age and shares his hopes and fears for the future. 

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Walmart, the nation's largest private employer, rolls back DEI under pressure - USA Today

Walmart became the most recent corporation to make changes to its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion policies. This continues a pattern of businesses rolling back promises made after the 2020 murder of George Floyd, despite broad public support for initiatives that boost inclusion and belonging. 

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Despite DEI Pushback, New Report Shows Companies Stay Committed To DEI - Forbes

A new report indicates that many corporations remain strong in their support for DEI initiatives. Julie Kratz provides a framework for companies looking to reinforce their commitment to inclusion. 

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