How narratives of racial progress create barriers to diversity, equity, and inclusion in organizations

Despite statements in support of racial justice, many organizations fail to make good on their commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). In this review, we describe the role of the narrative of racial progress—which conceives of society as rapidly and automatically ascending toward racial equity— in these failures. Specifically, the narrative (1) envisions organizations as race neutral, (2) creates barriers to complex crossrace discussions about equity, (3) creates momentum for less effective policy change, and (4) reduces urgency around DEI goals. Thus, an effective DEI strategy will involve organizational leaders overcoming this narrative by acknowledging past DEI failures and, most critically, implementing immediate and evidence-based structural changes that are essential for creating a more just and equitable workplace.