forbidden word(s): DEIAJ (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice)

diversity n. Diversity of opinions makes for an interesting discussion: difference, variance, diversification, divergence; variety, assortment.
Ant. likeness, similarity, sameness.

from – Family Word Finder: Reader’s Digest. The Reader’s Digest Association, 1975.

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equity n. 1 The Supreme Court must judge each case with complete equity: impartiality, fair-mindedness, fairness, justice, evenhandedness, reasonableness; fair dealings, justice. 2 The family has over $10,000 equity in the house: assets over liabilities, assets after mortgage, cash value; (loosely) cash, value, profit, assets, investment.
Ant. 1 unfairness, partiality, bias, prejudice, unreasonableness; injustice

from – Family Word Finder: Reader’s Digest. The Reader’s Digest Association, 1975.

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inclusion n.

1. the act of including.
2. the state of being included.
3. something that is included.
4. the practice or policy of including and integrating all people and groups in activities, organizations, political processes, etc., especially those who are disadvantaged, have suffered discrimination, or are living with disabilities: Our company is committed to addressing issues of diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

   Political and civic inclusion is vital to a sustainable democracy.

   Our company is committed to addressing issues of diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

5. the educational policy of placing students with physical or mental disabilities in regular classrooms and providing them with certain accommodations.
6. Biology. a body suspended in the cytoplasm, as a granule.
7. Mineralogy. a solid body or a body of gas or liquid enclosed within the mass of a mineral.
8. Petrography. xenolith.
9. Logic, Mathematics. the relationship between two sets when the second is a subset of the first.

from — Dictionary.com | Meanings & Definitions of English Words. (2025d). In Dictionary.com.

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justice n. 1 In the name of justice, all men should be equal: righteousness, goodness, probity, right, uprightness, fairness, fairplay, rightness, justness, equity, equitability, equitableness, honor, truth, honesty, integrity, virtue. 2 He had justice on his side: legality, right, proper cause, legitimacy, lawfulness, the law, constitutionality; justification. 3 Is there no justice after a crime like this?: die punishment, reparation, penalty, chastisement, correction, atonement, amends, redress, satisfaction, just desserts, compensation, payment, remuneration.
Ant 1-3:  dishonesty, favoritism, inequity, injustice, partiality, unfairness, unlawfulness, unreasonableness, untruth, wrong.

from – Family Word Finder: Reader’s Digest. The Reader’s Digest Association, 1975.

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DEIJ – Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice n., acronym

DEIJ stands for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice. It’s a framework that emphasizes the importance of recognizing and valuing individual and group differences, ensuring fair access and opportunity for all, fostering a sense of belonging and community, and working towards a society where everyone is treated justly. 

Here’s a more detailed breakdown:

Diversity:
Refers to the wide range of individual differences and group/social differences, including characteristics like race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, ability, and cultural affiliations. 

Equity:
Focuses on fairness and ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to succeed, addressing disparities and barriers that prevent full participation, according to the Colorado Pharmacists Society. 

Inclusion:
Encompasses the creation of environments where all individuals feel valued, respected, and supported, fostering a sense of belonging and allowing them to fully participate, according to Lancaster Friends School. 

Justice:
Involves actively dismantling systems of oppression and promoting fairness and equal opportunity for all, including addressing systemic inequalities and advocating for policies and practices that promote justice. 

In essence, DEIJ seeks to create a more equitable and just society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

from — Google Search. (n.d.).

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note: I have been focusing on definitions for forbidden words and phrases in dictionaries. I have two from the late 1960s and 1970s that I use because: 1. I own them; 2. I’m curious to see how language has evolved over my own lifetime; and, 3. I’m assuming many people working with Trump would also be most familiar with language from the mid-twentieth century.

My initial search begins with analogue dictionaries, ie., actual hand held books. If there is no definition in the books I currently own, or a definition needs further exploration, I turn to the internet.

When I look for definitions online, I try to find a source that is either from an online dictionary, or from an academic site. I found the most comprehensive definition of DEIJ in one place through google’s definition. I try to avoid the google definition generally, but after much searching, settled on google.

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example sentences: DEIJ

DEIJ is a framework from which to approach our work and its internal and external processes, which recognizes that systems of oppression are embedded within global political, economic, and social systems and seeks to address and uphold human rights from the understanding that society is inherently unequal.
from — Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice Commitment Statement. (2023, March 27). Population Connection Action Fund.

Historically, DEI initiatives focused on increasing representation and ensuring fair treatment within organizations and schools. However, the global social justice movements of recent years have illuminated the limitations of DEI alone in tackling the root causes of discrimination and inequality. As a result, the concept of DEIJ has emerged as a more holistic approach, aiming not only to diversify and create equitable opportunities but also to actively dismantle the systems and practices that uphold injustice. This shift towards DEIJ reflects a growing recognition of the interconnectedness of social issues and the need for comprehensive strategies to address them.
from — SalaryCube. (2024, March 28). Beyond Inclusion: Embracing DEIJ in Business and Education for a Just Future | SalaryCube. SalaryCube – Salary Surveys.

The acronym DEIJ generally refers to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice, and often refers to workplace policies to reverse historic discrimination and oppression.
from  — Dillard, C., & Dillard, C. (n.d.). One version of DEIJ for the future majority and total liberation 

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BONUS: Resources For Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice (DEIJ)

May 4, 2025
Hudson Valley, New York

This is one of the words/ phrases you can’t say in the new Trump Administration. See a comprehensive list at the Forbidden Words Project.

image: pink again © Holly Troy 5.2025