Diversity initiatives—also known as diversity and inclusion initiatives or D&I—are policies and procedures implemented by a business or other organization that are designed to improve workplace and career experiences and outcomes for women and racial and ethnic minorities. Organizations usually begin a diversity initiative with a statement by top management that the initiative is a priority for the organization, and sometimes hire a Director of Diversity & Inclusion or Chief Equality Officer to implement the organization’s goals related to hiring and retention of diverse employees.

In Michigan, as in many other states, there is no specific statute that mandates private businesses to implement diversity and inclusion (D&I) initiatives. However, businesses are encouraged to adopt such policies to foster an inclusive workplace and to comply with federal laws such as Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. The Michigan Department of Civil Rights enforces the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination in employment and public services. While D&I initiatives are largely voluntary for private entities, they can help organizations to avoid discrimination claims and to benefit from a diverse workforce. Public sector employers in Michigan may have more specific obligations regarding diversity, as government entities often have policies in place to promote equal opportunity employment.