Diversity initiatives—also known as diversity and inclusion initiatives or D&I—are policies and procedures implemented by a business or other organization that are designed to improve workplace and career experiences and outcomes for women and racial and ethnic minorities. Organizations usually begin a diversity initiative with a statement by top management that the initiative is a priority for the organization, and sometimes hire a Director of Diversity & Inclusion or Chief Equality Officer to implement the organization’s goals related to hiring and retention of diverse employees.

In Illinois, diversity initiatives, including those aimed at improving workplace experiences for women and racial and ethnic minorities, are supported by both state statutes and federal law. The Illinois Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including sexual harassment), national origin, ancestry, age (40 and over), order of protection status, marital status, physical or mental disability, military status, sexual orientation (including gender-related identity), and unfavorable discharge from military service. Additionally, the Illinois Business Corporation Act requires publicly-held corporations to report on their boards' diversity. At the federal level, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. These laws create a legal framework that supports the implementation of diversity and inclusion initiatives in the workplace. Organizations in Illinois may choose to go beyond these legal requirements by adopting additional measures, such as hiring a Director of Diversity & Inclusion or Chief Equality Officer, to further their diversity goals.