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What Does It Mean to ABIDE?

This entry is part 4 of 4 in the series ABIDE

What Does It Mean to ABIDE? Some people hear this word and think of phrases like “abide by the rules” or  “abide by a decision.” While this is one definition of the word, there’s another you may have encountered as well. Abide can mean “to tolerate or endure,” “to wait or persist,” and “to remain or stay.”

  • to tolerate or endure: This implies patience and resilience in the face of challenges.
  • to wait or persist: This suggests a commitment to a long-term goal and a willingness to persevere.
  • to remain or stay: This emphasizes the importance of consistency and continuity in efforts to achieve equity.

While I’ve started using the acronym ABIDE to mean Accessibility, Belonging, Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity, I chose that word in particular to reinforce the idea that building an equitable workplace is a journey, not a destination. It requires sustained effort, patience, and resilience.

Haven’t come across this meaning yet? Let’s jump into some dictionaries!

Read More »What Does It Mean to ABIDE?

In Summary

The article explains the deeper meaning of the word ABIDE beyond just "following rules." While it's used as an acronym, the author specifically chose it to emphasize that creating a fair workplace is a long journey. ABIDE also means to tolerate, endure, wait, persist, remain, or stay. These meanings highlight the need for patience, resilience, and consistent effort.

A white icon of hands as fists representing equity over a gradient pink-purple-blue background

Civility Does Not Replace Equity

This entry is part 3 of 4 in the series ABIDE

SHRM appears to be doubling down on their recent statement on equity. Instead of, you know, listening to their membership as people speak out across publications and social media against the decision to remove equity from DEI. (I even considered adding letters to DEI! Have you heard of ABIDE?) The new SHRM direction appears to focus on civility. But civility does not replace equity.

Voices sticking with the SHRM decision to lump equity under inclusion have called it things like “a strategic move about driving results” and that it “brings more people along for the ride.” 

Someone shared a recent interview with Johnny C. Taylor, and it’s simply solidified my decision that SHRM no longer represents me and my HR and DEI work. 

Read More »Civility Does Not Replace Equity

In Summary

SHRM, an HR organization, is getting a lot of pushback for removing "equity" from its DEI efforts, now focusing on "civility" instead. The author strongly disagrees, feeling SHRM no longer represents their work. Just being polite isn't enough to fix unfairness. SHRM seems more interested in what bosses want than what HR and DEI people need. They believe SHRM made a bad choice, saying that real change requires more than just talking nicely.

the word ABIDE in black text over two white hearts on a rainbow gradient background

ABIDE: Accessibility, Belonging, Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity

This entry is part 2 of 4 in the series ABIDE

I’ve had so many great conversations since that SHRM announcement! Equity, while sometimes misunderstood, is such a critical part of the work that DEI professionals set out to do.

SHRM (the Society for Human Resource Management) recently announced the “strategic decision” to rebrand DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) as Inclusion & Diversity (I&D), effective immediately.

Read more: Not Without Equity

I think, instead of removing letters from the acronyms we use to describe our work, we should be adding letters. Let’s consider ABIDE.

Read More »ABIDE: Accessibility, Belonging, Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity

In Summary

ABIDE stands for Accessibility, Belonging, Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity. It's a way to make sure everyone has equal chances and feels welcome. If any part of ABIDE is missing, it can cause problems. People can feel left out of fair opportunities. There are other similar acronyms, but what really matters is making things fair and inclusive for everyone.

icons of people on platforms of different heights, over a colored blurred background of game pieces

Not Without Equity

This entry is part 1 of 4 in the series ABIDE

If you haven’t yet heard, SHRM (the Society for Human Resource Management) recently announced the “strategic decision” to rebrand DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) as Inclusion & Diversity (I&D), effective immediately. In their words, “by emphasizing Inclusion-first, we aim to address the current shortcomings of DE&I programs, which have led to societal backlash and increasing polarization […] Equity will be integrated under the broader Inclusion framework.”

I’ve been giving a lot of thought to what this announcement means in the context of the work that I do. 

Read More »Not Without Equity

In Summary

SHRM, a big HR group, recently changed its "DEI" program to "I&D". They say they want to focus more on inclusion. However, this change removes "Equity," which is about making things fair for everyone, especially those who've faced challenges. The author argues that without equity, diversity can just be about looks, without real equal chances. They believe getting rid of "equity" ignores that people start from different places and need different support to succeed. Because of this, the author plans to stop being involved with SHRM.

illustrated disabled people in brightly-colored clothing

Published: Are You Missing the D in DEI?

I had an article published in the recent Workplace in Action® People Excellence magazine. My newest piece, “Are You Missing the ‘D’ in DEI?,” explores how diversity & inclusion initiatives may be missing the mark if they aren’t including disability.

My full article is shared below (along with a page for the #A11yBook!), but I hope you’ll check out the full magazine here as well. I’m still reading some of the great articles contributed by my colleagues. It’s a robust issue with a variety of perspectives!

Read More »Published: Are You Missing the D in DEI?

In Summary

Many companies talk about being fair and including everyone. They can often forget about people with disabilities. When we leave out people with disabilities, it means those people feel unwelcome. Companies can miss out on great ideas and talented workers. To truly include everyone, businesses need to make sure events and online tools can be used by people with disabilities. Disabled voices should be heard in all discussions about fairness and inclusion.