Only Forward: Our Stance on DEI

We are all holding on for dear life.

The repercussions of the 2016-2020 American Presidential term were only the beginning and now, as America takes its second jump into the deep end of ignorance and white supremacy, the ripple effects are being felt everywhere.

While this is nothing new, the scale of this in such a short period is frightening.

One of the ripple effects that has been impacted is DEI.

Many companies have abandoned their DEI initiatives, stating they are “revising their policies” and “focusing their attention elsewhere.” No one is shocked that these companies are abandoning DEI under the new “regime change.”

Companies that value power and the all-mighty dollar above human decency are exactly what DEI exposes in a deeply flawed capitalist system. These companies expose themselves as late adopters of a society, of a humanity built on mutual respect, because their own greed and prejudices blind them.

So, we at Signal wanted to make something very clear.

We move forward, not backwards.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are essential to reconstructing work culture to reflect the world we live in, not the world on which it was founded.

When I was 16, I got my glider pilot's license. My flight instructor at the time really worked with me to make sure that I was not afraid of the glider and not afraid to control it if things got scary. It was a constant ‘what are you doing if this happens’ line of questioning - leading me to work on thinking ahead of the now and considering all things. 

When accidents are blamed on DEI efforts, it’s incredibly insulting to the work and intelligence of our colleagues. DEI is not to blame for shifting focuses. There are many complexities in our daily world right now that lead to distractions, sleepless nights, and increased stress. 

Let me be clear - I do not hire for token DEI. I do not fire for token DEI. I hire for good people, people who fit within our culture. 

But that’s the point. Our culture has always been—and will always be—diverse, equitable, and inclusive because that’s what we value. You will not find me focusing on a different area or tolerating any culture that does not include DEI. 

Signal is an incredibly diverse company and I’m exceptionally proud of each of my employees for a variety of reasons. I support my employees with living wages, benefits, flexible working hours, and ultimately time to have balance in their lives.

We urge our communities, local, national, and global, to be an advocate and activist against tyranny, racism, homophobia, and transphobia.

Be a business worth supporting, and more importantly, be a beacon of resistance, as a business and a human being.