We all know information technology is a rapidly growing field that is vital to the success of today’s economy, and yet the groups most impacted by this growth are those who are marginalized and underrepresented. Studies show that of the 4.4 million tech workers in the U.S., only 8.7 percent are Black, 8.4 percent are Hispanic, and less than 30 percent are women. This lack of diversity has led to an information technology industry that falls far short of meeting the needs of all its users. This exclusion carries economic, educational, and social consequences for these groups who remain on the outside.
In DiversifyIT we believe that by ignoring the perspectives of minorities, LGBTQ individuals, and women, the tech industry is failing to take advantage of the incredible potential contributions that these groups have to offer. From product design and development to coverage in the media, these voices are missing from the conversation. As a result, policies and products don’t adequately address the needs of these communities and their problems go unaddressed.
In addition, when people of marginalized backgrounds enter the tech industry, they often face hostile environments and a lack of support. This perpetuates an “othering” mentality that can be extremely damaging to those individuals and can drive them out of an industry already so lacking in diversity.
The increasing use of technology to shape our lives and the world we live in only amplifies the need for inclusion, equity, and diversity in the tech industry. By prioritizing diversity, equity and inclusion in information technology, DiversifyIT seeks to transform an industry that better reflects the world around us and is better prepared to address the needs and challenges of all users. By including marginalized voices in important conversations about tech, we can ensure that all individuals are represented in this critical field.
Do you want change? Be IT. The current DiversifyIT committee is looking for new members. Are you ready to take on more to make your workplace better for all? We are currently accepting nominations for our open spots. Committee members contribute 10-15 hours per month and require supervisor support to participate.
To nominate yourself or a colleague:
Send an email to DiversifyIT at diversifyIT-info@duke.edu by Friday, March 31 with a paragraph identifying the qualities and characteristics of the nominee that would serve our mission. Nominations must include acknowledgement from the supervisor of their support.
If you have any questions, please contact co-chair Brandon Johnson (jbrandon.johnson@duke.edu) with questions.
Our mission: “DiversifyIT’s mission is to foster a healthy understanding of the positive value of differences in the Duke IT community in order to advance inclusion and diversity for Duke. We create opportunities for the community to engage continually in examining, inquiring, and looking beneath the surface aspects of the organizations where we work. We facilitate wide-ranging discussions, gather and communicate the needs of the Duke IT community to Duke IT leadership, and provide mentoring, networking, and outreach initiatives.”
For more information on who’s doing the work (or how the committee works) click here: https://diversifyit.duke.edu/diversifyit-committees/
