Clearing the Path to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Transportation

摘要

As the chair of the Transportation Research Board (TRB) Special Committee on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) and the executive director of TRB, we are pleased to introduce you to this TR News edition focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion. All around us, society is engaging in increased discussions, outreach, and decision making in pursuit of DE&I. Many individuals feel the energy and enthusiastically embrace the pursuit. Others may wonder, Why all the attention to DE&I? The responses are myriad and may depend on who is asked. In general, there is recognition that historical policies and practices have served not only to limit potential achievements of minorities, but-in some cases-were intended to inhibit advancement. Inferior educational opportunities, lack of finances for college or specialized training, and intentional discrimination against minorities who possess the educational or professional credentials-or both-have resulted in a lack of representation of these groups, especially at higher echelons of many public- and private-sector entities.