The Staff Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Compliance Office offers one definition:

"Diversity refers to human qualities that are different from our own and those of groups to which we belong; but that are manifested in other individuals and groups. Dimensions of diversity include but are not limited to: age, ethnicity, gender, physical abilities/qualities, race, sexual orientation, educational background, geographic location, income, marital status, military experience, parental status, religious beliefs, work experience, and job classification."

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  In the context of the workplace, valuing diversity means creating a workplace that respects and includes differences, recognizing the unique contributions that individuals with many types of differences can make, and creating a work environment that maximizes the potential of all employees.
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  In the context of society, valuing diversity means creating societies that value equality, inclusiveness and equal rights for its citizens, have antidiscrimination legislation in place that are implemented and enforced.

Photo by Nancy Bundt