Why DEI

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is a trending topic from the boardroom to the breakroom; but it's hard to keep up with the latest trends, language, and laws. You may have read the many studies that reveal diversity, equity, and inclusion is important to company culture, productivity, and ultimately, your bottom line. You might have even conducted diversity training at your organization or taken a course yourself, yet you are still not seeing the benefits that well-implemented programs promise.  


The truth is, many of us don’t know where to start. Developing a program is time consuming and hiring a diversity professional can often be cost prohibitive. It’s difficult to get buy-in from leadership and even more difficult to get them to commit resources to a DEI program.

Introducing Diversity: Beyond the Checkbox-Foundations

Most diversity training programs are created for compliance, not for transformation. Diversity: Beyond the Checkbox-Foundations is different. We don’t stop at what diversity is or why it's the right thing to do. We delve into specifics on achieving the business results organizations seek. We guide you in communicating effectively with employees, clients, and customers in our ever-evolving, and diverse world.


Our mission was to create a comprehensive and engaging course that serves as a foundation for your diversity, equity, and inclusion education. Whether you are an individual looking to advance your career, or a company looking to foster an inclusive culture, we provide the knowledge and materials you need to achieve success.


Even if you never realized that D&I is important to driving innovation, keeping up with industry and consumer trends, and retaining your best and brightest employees, this course will get you started on your journey toward a diverse, inclusive and thriving organization.

Course curriculum

    1. Diversity: Beyond the Checkbox-Foundations Overview

    2. On Accessibility

    3. About This Course

    1. Introduction

      FREE PREVIEW
    2. Learning Objectives

    3. Defining Workplace Diversity

    4. Types of Diversity

    5. The Cultural Iceberg

    6. Courageous Cultural Conversations

    7. It's Not Just Compliance

    8. Equal Employment Opportunity

    9. Equal Employment Opportunity Continued

    10. Affirmative Action

    11. Differences Between EEO/Affirmative Action and D&I Initiatives

    12. 5 Minute Break

    13. Structural and Institutional Racism

    14. What is Privilege?

    15. Privilege and White Privilege

    16. Grant Williard on White Privilege

    17. Differentiating Diversity and Inclusion

    18. Pretty Handbags Marketing

      FREE PREVIEW
    19. Module 1 Key Terms

    20. Module 1 Quiz

    21. Module 1 References

    1. Introduction

    2. Learning Objectives

    3. Diversity is a Key Driver of Innovation

    4. People with Disabilities are Problem Solvers

    5. Innovative Inventions

    6. Diversity and Innovation Continued

    7. Gender and Ethnic Diversity in Leadership is Tied to Higher Returns

    8. Gender and Ethnic Diversity in Leadership Continued

      FREE PREVIEW
    9. Women Leaders

    10. Diversity in Entrepreneurship

    11. Intersectionality

    12. 10 Minute Break

    13. Diversity Makes Teams More Creative and Better Decision Makers

    14. Diversity Attracts and Retains Top Talent

    15. Sustainable Businesses Require Diversity and Inclusion

    16. Module 2 Key Terms

    17. Module 2 Quiz

    18. How to Discuss The Business Case for D&I

    19. One-Sheet

    20. Module 2 References

    1. Introduction

    2. Learning Objectives

    3. If You Have a Brain, You Have a Bias

      FREE PREVIEW
    4. Conscious Versus Unconscious Bias

    5. What Are Your Unconscious Biases?

    6. Biases in Business

    7. Foundation of Unconscious Bias

    8. Types of Bias

    9. 10 Minute Break

    10. Understanding Microaggression

    11. Understanding Microaggression Continued

    12. Examples of Microaggressions

    13. Recognize Your Own Biases

    14. Unconscious Bias Exercise

    15. Strategies to Address Unconscious Bias

    16. Increase Exposure to Biases

    17. Conclusion

    18. Module 3 Key Terms

    19. Types of Bias Printout

    20. Top Tips to Addressing Unconscious Bias

      FREE PREVIEW
    21. Module 3 Quiz

    22. Module 3 References

    1. Introduction

    2. Learning Objectives

    3. Common Mistakes in Implementing Diversity Programs - Introduction

    4. Common Mistakes in Implementing Diversity Programs

    5. White Men as Diversity Allies

    6. Majority Responsibility

    7. The WIIFM Principle

    8. The WIIFM Principle Continued

    9. Selecting a Diversity Leader

      FREE PREVIEW
    10. 5 Minute Break

    11. Initiating and Implementing a Diversity Program

    12. Phase 1: Preparation

    13. Phase 2: Build Out a Diversity Implementation Plan

    14. Phase 3: Get Started!

    15. Diverse Investment Pipeline

    16. Phase 4: Make Your Organization More Inclusive

    17. Phase 5: Measure and Evaluate Progress

    18. Phase 6: Redefine and Refocus Your Goals

    19. Notes for Leaders

    20. Conclusion

    21. Module 4 Key Terms

    22. Module 4 Quiz

    23. Module 4 References

    1. Introduction

    2. Learning Objectives

    3. Principles of Effective Business Communication

    4. Rules of Inclusive Language

    5. Say This, Not That - Inclusive Language Guide

    6. Communicating to Acquire Top Talent

    7. Understanding Gen Z

    8. Engaging Your “Only” Employees

    9. 10 Minute Break

    10. Multicultural Sales Skills

    11. Marketing for Diverse Consumers

    12. Diverse Marketing Materials

    13. Marketing Missteps with Multicultural Audiences

      FREE PREVIEW
    14. Enter the Disruptors

    15. Six Steps to Developing an Inclusive Marketing Strategy

    16. Celebrate Points of Progress

    17. Conclusion

    18. Module 5 Key Terms

    19. Module 5 Quiz

    20. Module 5 References

About this course

  • $249.00
  • 112 lessons
  • 1.5 hours of video content

Experts are Saying...

Impactful and Engaging

Won J You - Design Leader and Educator, WJY Studios

This diversity course delivers impactful content that uncovers the value of diversity and inclusion for all organizations. I've taken several D&I courses and training in the past, but this course still managed to surprise me with not only new and useful information, but also a delightfully unexpected multimedia experience.

Consumable and Applicable Content

John Murphy - International Executive Leadership Coach

Diversity: Beyond the Checkbox takes what is a highly topical and critical subject and breaks it down in such a way that it is so easily consumed online. The course really helps to understand the full meaning and implications of embracing diversity - from everyone's perspective. It also helps you to understand how to make it come alive and how it connects to bottom line performance of the business. I highly recommend this course.

Highly Recommended

Susanne Meyer - Employment Solutions Architect, Ablr

Diversity: Beyond the Checkbox offers a fresh and approachable course on Diversity & Inclusion. It is clear that the team really cares about the issue, and numerous videos and spotlights on different people and their experiences make it personal. Information is presented succinctly and is easy to grasp and absorb. I came away knowing – and understanding -- more than I did in the beginning. All around, I would highly recommend this course!

Accessible Array of Tools

Bri Hart - Assistant Director, Women in Science and Engineering (WISE), NC State University

As an educator and social justice advocate, I believe that it is everyone's role to ensure a more equitable and just world for everyone. "Diversity: Beyond the Checkbox" provides an accessible array of tools for anyone to use to promote diversity and inclusion not only at work, but in their personal lives as well. I think that anyone who takes part in this course will not only walk away more knowledgeable about diversity and inclusion, but also more confident in promoting diversity and inclusion.

Important to Gen Zers

Johnny Smith - Marketing Intern, Walk West

Before taking this course, I was not aware of the pros and cons of diversity in the workplace. This course laid out and explained Diversity and Inclusion in an engaging manner. The teachers knew what they were discussing and shared their own sense of diversity. I was surprised by how well the course taught technical terms and historic laws related to diversity in an engaging manner. This course was well produced and fun to take while being very informational. As a member of Gen Z, I’ll be entering the workforce fairly soon. Courses like these are very important for all workers because of how diverse Gen Z is.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Who is this course for?

    Diversity: Beyond the Checkbox was created by The Diversity Movement to give all learners, from students to CEOs, a fundamental cultural competency in diversity, equity, and inclusion practices and language. For diversity and inclusion practitioners, this course may help guide you in educating others and in later modules, assist you in implementing a robust diversity, equity, and inclusion practice and understanding more about multicultural business communication and marketing.

  • How long does it take to complete the course?

    On average, it takes students 5-6 hours to complete the course.

Enroll to Earn Continuing Education Credits

We’re proud to announce The Diversity Movement is recognized by SHRM to offer Professional Development Credits (PDCs) for SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP® recertification activities.

We are also a Certified Association Executive registered provider, meaning all programs on this site meet the requirements for fulfilling the professional development requirements to earn or maintain the Certified Association Executive credential.

Participants are Saying...

5 star rating

Fantastic Program That Covers It All!

Velvet Nelson

I am incredibly impressed with the level of detail this course provides in covering Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. There was thoughtful messaging from a v...

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I am incredibly impressed with the level of detail this course provides in covering Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. There was thoughtful messaging from a variety of experts in DEI that really made me stop and think about how I can be better at creating a comfortable and safe environment for everyone around me. Each module touched on an important subject, thoroughly defined the subject, broke down the science behind it, and provided ways and activities to implement change. I also liked that there was specific documentations and steps presented on how to create a pathway to DEI in the workplace. I appreciated the variety of activities during each lesson that made the time pass by. The course included presentations, videos, demonstrations, and activities to keep my mind engaged and active. There was never a moment where I thought, "Ugh...an online course." I felt this program was an incredibly valuable use of my time and I'll highly recommend it to my colleagues.

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5 star rating

Awesome Course!

Mike Vaggalis

I really enjoyed reviewing this course and learned a lot. The Diversity Beyond the Checkbox team has done a great job taking a HUGE topic (and one that's int...

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I really enjoyed reviewing this course and learned a lot. The Diversity Beyond the Checkbox team has done a great job taking a HUGE topic (and one that's intensely personal) and distilling it down into helpful and consumable segments. I would recommend this course for everybody: from a recent hire, to a seasoned executive. I took away a lot from the course and am confident that I'm in a better position to lead my team and manage my own unconscious biases.

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5 star rating

Engaging and Thorough

Katie Bowen

Overall great course! The blend of video testimonials and text kept me engaged throughout. I enjoyed the flexibility to be able to complete the course at m...

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Overall great course! The blend of video testimonials and text kept me engaged throughout. I enjoyed the flexibility to be able to complete the course at my own pace and go back and forth between modules. More importantly, though, I believe the course does a good job of not only explaining diversity, inclusion, bias, etc but also highlighting the importance of proactively understanding and approaching these things in the workplace as well as in our own personal lives. Module 2 definitely makes a good business case for why diversity and inclusion are important to furthering your business - great statistics.

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5 star rating

Great program design for learning and competence!

Mark Soticheck

I have taken many programs over the year for my professional certification. I've even sat through or taken online programs around the topic of D&I and u...

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I have taken many programs over the year for my professional certification. I've even sat through or taken online programs around the topic of D&I and unconscious bias. Hands down, this is one of the best programs I have done and I'm even more amazed that it is in a "self paced" environment. The program uses video, presentations, some text, quizes, etc. to keep the program fresh and the user engaged throughout. Kudos to the instructional design team! Also, I really enjoyed the diversity (pun in tended) in both the number and various perspectives of the speakers and SMEs used in the program. This also helped keep me engaged throughout the program. My favorites were the candid interviews with business leaders about their experience. Again, great job on the program! I look forward to other similar programs to build on this one.

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5 star rating

Flexible and Engaging

Jason Doherty

Great resource for information and tools to assess personal and institutional issues surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion. The self-paced format was ...

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Great resource for information and tools to assess personal and institutional issues surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion. The self-paced format was great for finding time to go through the course at times that worked for my schedule. The mix of multimedia formats and various speakers and narrators helped keep the content interesting.

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5 star rating

Amazing DEI Resource

Rickeysha Jones

Overall, I enjoyed this course and I was impressed by the detailed information shared surrounding DEI. I loved the blend of historical research, interviews, ...

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Overall, I enjoyed this course and I was impressed by the detailed information shared surrounding DEI. I loved the blend of historical research, interviews, testimonials, statistics and various use cases throughout the course. I loved that the course touched on topics such as microaggressions, white men's role in diversity, and more that usually has a stigma attached and also offered best practices to counteract these topics in the workplace. I enjoyed the self-guided model and inclusive features of the platform like closed captions. and would also love an autoplay feature. I really appreciated the pdf documents to leverage for implementation and practice for my work moving forward. I definitely obtained some tools to be the DEI champion on my team and always think about "how we can all be apart of the solution to build a bridge for D&I".

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