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 North Carolina, as in many other states, there are no specific state statutes that mandate 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. Additionally, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) provide further federal protections against workplace discrimination. While North Carolina does not have specific D&I requirements, state employers who implement these initiatives may benefit from a more diverse workforce and may also be better positioned to avoid discrimination lawsuits. It is also worth noting that state contractors may be subject to additional D&I requirements under federal laws such as Executive Order 11246, which requires affirmative action for federal contractors and subcontractors.