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Marketing’s DEI Quick Check

This document is intended to be a quick self-service tool to ensure internal- or external-facing deliverables hold true to our department’s DEI Vision Statement. This infographic is not comprehensive, however, is meant to be a starting point to educating yourself and questions to ask yourself before publishing a deliverable.
View the DEI Vision Statement

Is your deliverable…

Diverse: Can people and groups of all identities find themselves with your imagery or copy?

Think about the placement of images, corresponding text, and discussion of under-represented audiences
  • Be mindful of their context and representation

Consider the authentic representation of these identities when creating resources:
  • Race and Ethnicity
  • Culture
  • Abilities
  • Relationship
  • Gender and Sexual Orientation
  • Age
  • Body Types
  • Religion
  • Socioeconomic

To learn more, review Ad Council’s Best Practices for Showing Diversity in Ad Imaging.

Equitable: Is the resource, and its delivery, fair, accessible, and impartial?

Avoid stereotypes, slang, or idioms by educating yourself on what they are
  • Example of reinforcing stereotypes: Using only BIPOC in affordability campaign
  • Example of breaking stereotypes: Featuring men in nursing program ads

To learn more, view 11 Common English Words And Phrases With Racist Origins and 30 Examples of English Slang

Strive to make information available in multiple formats, in advance of any live events, and repeated/referenced throughout event or resource
  • Examples: Using closed captioning, repeating questions, providing transcripts, adding alt text, descriptive language, etc.

Be mindful of technical requirements to engage with your content
  • Example: Consider variability in internet access and available devices

Review the Web Accessibility Initiative’s guide to How People with Disabilities Use the Web.

Use descriptive language and break down complex information using plain language to avoid miscommunication
  • Example: Communicate in a way that someone can understand your message the first time they engage with your deliverable.

Inclusive: Would those engaging with your content feel respected, valued, and a sense of belonging in your content's messaging?

Use inclusive language
  • Always use the terminology or pronouns a group uses to self-identify, pulling from an authoritative source of the group in question
    • Example: Hispanic or Latino depending on the context
  • Use person-first language
    • Example: Person who uses a wheelchair rather than wheel-chair bound
  • Use the collective “we” and avoid gender-specific language

Leverage technology to capture diverse viewpoints

Ensure a diversity of voices and questions are heard and accurately cited
  • Look at who you are representing and reading. If you notice you are missing diverse representation of scholars or perspectives, use inclusive citation practice to seek out more sources.