Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Policy

Resolution: July 14, 2022
Accepted: July 20, 2022

Preamble

LPI believes that Diversity should be inclusive of all characteristics and experiences that define each of us as unique individuals, while acknowledging those differences.

Diversity includes (but is not limited to) race, gender, sex, ethnicity, age, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, communication style, work style, socio-economic status, political orientation so people can truly be themselves, fostering an inclusive culture and promoting real justice.

We know that a diverse community is a strong community. Diversity includes different points of view, backgrounds, and experiences. Diversity drives innovation through a more collaborative environment.  Acceptance of diversity understands and welcomes everyone. That is why LPI is committed to supporting and creating such a community across our entire worldwide organization and membership.

LPI commits to provide an inclusive, equal, and equitable environment for its community. With these efforts, we will better understand the community —their needs, restrictions, fears, and feelings— allowing us to help the community progress in their careers.

Any practical application of this definition must take into consideration the population to which it’s applied. All DEI goals for LPI are two-fold. First, the goal is to be diverse relative to the specific community population in question. Second, the diversity of that LPI population can be “leveled up” to match the diversity of the overall population.

LPI aims to “continually do better” rather than let the perfect be the enemy of the good. Therefore our DEI goals are relative and evident by the negative than by arbitrary predefined numbers:

For example, we believe that inclusive groups normally match the population from which they are drawn and are therefore not all:

• of one race
• from one country
• of one gender
• of one sexuality
• of one (or any) religion
• native English speakers
• from one age group
• from one level of physical ability

These are examples of some of the different vectors of diversity that will be applied by this policy. The goal is to maximize the number of different vectors represented while also being able to meet the functional needs of LPI.

Policy

This policy applies to all community members, paid members, staff, members of the Board of Directors (BoD) of the Linux Professional Institute, and members of the Nomination Committee (NomCom) responsible for building the slate of candidates for election to the BoD. These affected parties are known as “We” or ”Us” in this policy.

We commit to do these things:

• We will make the best efforts to abide by the non-discrimination laws of all countries in which LPI operates.
• To the best of our abilities, we will work consistently and iteratively to evolve the diversity of our organization such that it first matches the diversity of the LPI community from which it is derived and then of the population at large.
• As we form or grow groups, we will work to increase the diversity of existing groups or ensure that new groups are diverse from the start.
• As people leave their positions in our organization, we will use this opportunity to reevaluate the diversity of the organization and make necessary changes.
• We will create a more inclusive environment by avoiding all use of language that is exclusive or othering of people and, as no one is perfect, when we accidentally use such language we will correct each other with empathy and a growth mindset.
• We will regularly reevaluate our pricing and other policies to ensure that as many people as possible are provided equal access to the opportunities that LPI offers.

If you have any concerns about this policy or about its application at LPI, please send an email to diversity@lpi.org. All reports are taken seriously and will be fairly considered.