Discussion 6 | Creating an Environment of Diversity, Equity, Inclusivity, and Belonging – How AI Comes into Play

Respond to three classmates discussion post This week, I used ChatGPT to create a short message for employees advocating for diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) in an organization. My goal was to see how effectively AI could capture the values of inclusivity and fairness while avoiding bias or overly generalized language. AI-Generated Statement (First Draft) “Our organization values diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. We are committed to fostering a workplace where everyone feels respected, supported, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives. We believe that embracing diversity strengthens our teams and drives innovation. Together, we will create an environment where fairness, respect, and collaboration are at the heart of everything we do.” Bias Recognition & Limitations While this draft is positive and professional, it leans toward vague, “safe” language without measurable commitments. This is a common AI pattern — it avoids specificity to reduce the risk of generating controversial or binding statements (Bender et al., 2021). For example, it states the organization “values diversity” but does not explain how those values will be put into practice. This lack of detail could make the statement sound performative rather than actionable (Dobbin & Kalev, 2018). Revised Statement (Human-AI Collaboration) “At [Organization], diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are not just values we acknowledge, they are commitments we act on every day. We regularly publish diversity and equity metrics to remain transparent and accountable. We invest in mentorship and leadership programs to support underrepresented groups, and we conduct annual equity audits to address systemic barriers. By fostering a workplace where every voice is heard and valued, we create not only a more inclusive environment, but a stronger and more innovative organization for the future.” This revision adds measurable steps, publishing metrics, mentorship programs, and audits, which can increase trust and show actionable commitment. Does the AI promote inclusivity and fairness effectively or otherwise? The AI did promote inclusivity in tone, but its fairness component was limited by the lack of specific strategies or accountability measures. Inclusivity was present in language (“unique perspectives,” “everyone feels respected”), but without tangible steps, the fairness aspect is weakened. How well does the AI understand the subtleties of human diversity and inclusion? AI can capture general DEIB principles, but it often misses cultural nuance, intersectionality, and the emotional depth that human experiences bring (Gupta et al., 2022). It tends to treat diversity as a broad category rather than recognizing that racial, gender, ability, socioeconomic, and cultural identities require different, tailored strategies. Is there anything the AI overlooked or overemphasized? It overlooked measurable actions, underrepresented group support, and transparency mechanisms. It overemphasized generic affirmations (“we value diversity”) without connecting them to accountability. This suggests AI alone cannot produce a truly impactful DEIB statement, human input is necessary to fill in gaps and ensure authenticity. Reflection When I compared the AI’s original DEIB statement to my revised version, I saw that the AI defaulted to polished but vague language, avoiding specifics that might seem risky. While it achieved a positive and inclusive tone, the lack of actionable steps risked making it sound like a performative statement rather than a genuine commitment. Adding specific measures like equity audits, mentorship programs, and transparency reporting gave the message credibility and direction. This exercise reinforced that AI can serve as a starting point for professional communication, but human oversight is essential to ensure the message is authentic, culturally aware, and tailored to the audience (Ugwu et al., 2024). References Bender, E. M., Gebru, T., McMillan-Major, A., & Shmitchell, S. (2021). On the dangers of stochastic parrots: Can language models be too big? Proceedings of the 2021 ACM Conference on Fairness, Accountability, and Transparency, 610–623. https://doi.org/10.1145/3442188.3445922 Dobbin, F., & Kalev, A. (2018). Why diversity programs fail. Harvard Business Review, 94(7), 52–60. Gupta, V., Briscoe, F., & Hambrick, D. C. (2022). Cultural diversity and its impact on leadership in organizations. Academy of Management Review, 47(3), 456–478. https://doi.org/10.5465/amr.2020.0035 Ugwu, F. O., Njemanze, V. C., & Onyishi, I. E. (2024). Ethical considerations in AI-assisted professional writing: Human oversight, transparency, and accountability. Journal of Business Ethics, 178(2), 421–437. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10551-023-05472-9 2. Class- For my piece of content I chose a short message for a high-end seafood restaurant in southern California advocating for DEI qualities AND I did a separate one for a barbecue joint in east Texas to see what the differences were. SC output: At [Restaurant Name], excellence is built on more than the quality of our seafood—it’s built on the strength and diversity of our team. We expect every employee to contribute to a workplace where respect is non-negotiable, opportunities are fair, and every voice is heard. Diversity brings creativity to our menu, equity ensures fair treatment in our kitchen and dining room, inclusion means every team member feels valued, and belonging ensures no one stands alone. This is not optional—it is part of our culture, our brand, and our reputation. Your actions, words, and attitudes must reflect these values every day. Guests notice, colleagues notice, and leadership holds everyone accountable. Together, we set the standard for what a truly world-class workplace can be. ET output: At [Restaurant Name], great barbecue isn’t our only tradition—we also stand for respect, fairness, and unity in our workplace. Every team member, from the pit to the front porch, deserves to feel valued, heard, and treated with dignity. Diversity brings fresh ideas, equity ensures fair opportunity, inclusion makes everyone part of the team, and belonging means no one is left out. These aren’t just words—they’re expectations. Every shift, every interaction, every decision should reflect these values. That’s how we honor our team, serve our guests, and uphold the pride of Texas hospitality. Reflection: Even from the first paragraphs there’s a difference in tone even though I kept the tone the same for my AI request for this message. For the SC version it talks about excellence, quality, strength and diversity. For ET, it talks about tradition, respect, fairness and unity. For the second paragraph, SC uses the word ‘creativity’ and ET version uses ‘fresh ideas’ which have a subtle difference. And for the third, the SC version goes on about accountability in making the restaurant world-class where the ET version aims to uphold the ‘pride of Texas hospitality.’ Promotes inclusivity and fairness?: Yes! I think it does. It talks about every voice, fairness, equity and how accountability brings everyone together. Understands subtleties?: For the most part, yes, it seems to. It seems to grasp the DEI principles and ties them into this specific organization’s identity and its employees. It also treats diversity as ideas and lived experience, not just a headcount. But it still misses nuances like power dynamics, hidden barriers, and the system changes needed for real inclusion. Anything over? While it focused on the big picture values of DEI it overlooked basics issues like hours, language access, pay equality and accommodations. It also overlooked the concept of addressing power differences by assuming everyone agrees on viewpoints of equality and inclusion. As for over-emphasizing, it seemed like it may have over-emphasized the tone – that was intended – but didn’t quite have the basic issues and tactics to support the tone 3. Dr. Silva and Fellow Classmates, To explore how AI can support or undermine DEIB efforts, I used Claude (2025) to draft a diversity policy for a law firm. I started with a general prompt, then asked for measurable metrics and consequences, and finally requested more emotional depth and meaning to the metrics. This progression helped me finetune Claude’s outputs. The first versions emphasized commitments and accountability, while later versions added more human-centered language about belonging, mentorship, and employee support. Claude performed well in producing structurally sound content, but its understanding of diversity was procedural. Drawing from Syeda (2023), I recognized that factors like socioeconomic background, reliance on elite extracurriculars, and law school prestige also shape access and advancement in law firms. These subtle filters were not reflected in Claude’s outputs, but progressed through my reflection and revision. Overall, Claude promoted fairness reasonably well when prompted, but lacked initiative in addressing the more complex, systemic aspects of inclusion. As with the common theme of the work we have done in this class, this process showed that while AI can provide a practical starting framework, human insight is essential. Claude (2025) – Input: Create a concise and brief DEIB policy for law firm employees. Output: At [Law Firm Name], we believe diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are fundamental to excellence in legal practice and client service. Core Commitments 🤝 • We actively promote equal opportunities for all employees regardless of race, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, religion, or cultural background • We maintain zero tolerance for discrimination and harassment • We celebrate and leverage our differences as strengths Expectations 📋 • Treat all colleagues with respect and dignity • Participate in DEIB training and initiatives • Report concerns through appropriate channels • Support inclusive practices in hiring and promotion • Use inclusive language in all communications Actions We Take ✨ • Regular DEIB training sessions • Mentorship programs • Employee resource groups • Inclusive recruitment practices • Regular policy reviews • Anonymous feedback channels Accountability ⚖️ • All employees are responsible for maintaining an inclusive workplace • Leadership commits to transparent reporting on DEIB goals • Regular assessment of progress and areas for improvement • Clear consequences for policy violations To report concerns: • Contact HR Director • Use anonymous reporting hotline • Speak with your supervisor • Email DEIB@[lawfirm].com Input: Please refine our policy by including metrics or measuring diversity success and consequences for non-compliance. Output: DEIB Policy Statement 2.0 🌟 Core Commitments and Metrics 📊 • Maintain minimum 33% diverse representation on client matter teams • Track billable hours distribution across demographic groups • Monitor promotion rates with target of matching law school diversity statistics • Quarterly review of pay equity across gender and ethnic lines • Annual assessment of retention rates by demographic group Measurement Tools 📈 • Regular diversity audits of hiring, promotion, and retention • Quarterly tracking of team composition on major matters • Annual pay equity analysis • Exit interview data collection and analysis • Client feedback on team diversity Accountability Measures ⚖️ • Compensation committee review of diversity metrics • Potential fee reduction for teams not meeting diversity targets • Impact on partner compensation for failing to meet inclusion goals • Required remediation plans for departments below targets • Regular reporting to clients on diversity progress Consequences for Non-Compliance 🚨 • Mandatory additional DEIB training • Review of team staffing practices • Potential impact on bonus allocation • Required mentorship program participation • Development of specific improvement plan with deadlines Support Resources 🤝 • DEIB training and workshops • Mentorship programs • Employee resource groups • Anonymous feedback channels • Professional development support To report concerns: • Contact HR Director • Use anonymous reporting hotline • Speak with DEIB Officer • Email DEIB@[lawfirm].com Input: Add more human emotion and meaning to measuring metrics. Output: DEIB Policy Statement 3.0 🌟 Our Commitment to Growth Together 💝 We believe in creating a workplace where every voice is heard, every talent is recognized, and every person can thrive. Our metrics aren’t just numbers – they’re stories of opportunity, growth, and shared success. Measuring Our Progress with Purpose 🎯 • Team Composition (33% diverse representation minimum) Because diverse perspectives lead to better solutions for our clients Because everyone deserves to see themselves represented in leadership • Career Development 📈 Track promotion rates to ensure equal growth opportunities Support and celebrate advancement across all demographics Regular check-ins to understand individual career aspirations • Pay Equity Reviews 💪 Regular analysis to ensure fair compensation Because equal work deserves equal reward Transparent communication about compensation philosophy Building Success Together ✨ • Mentorship that matters • Meaningful feedback channels •Collaborative goal-setting • Celebration of diverse achievements • Support for work-life harmony When We Fall Short 🤝 • Open dialogue about challenges • Collaborative solution-finding • Supportive improvement plans • Learning opportunities • Resource allocation for growth Your Voice Matters 📣 Contact us through: • Direct conversation with HR • Anonymous feedback channel • DEIB Committee • Mentor network • Leadership open door hours Claude. (2025). Claude 3.5 Sonnet [Large language model]. Retrieved August 13, 2025, from conversation with Claude. Syeda, R. (2023). An intelligent path for improving diversity at law firms (un)artificially. Michigan Technology Law Review, 29(2), 307–332. https://repository.law.umich.edu/mtlr/vol29