This is a timely rerun of this editorial, particularly with the events that have taken place in Charlottesville recently. We have to understand the difference between
The latter can be a barrier to the former.
There are many facets to diversity, some of which are easy to overlook. I've certainly found it true that a diverse set of people bring a variety of viewpoints and with it a range of solutions that I probably would not have considered otherwise. I also think it is wise to consider the diversity of your customers. If you have a customer who has facets of diversity different from you, do you understand that customer and their needs in relation to the goods or service you are paid to offer?
The saying "Blood is thicker than water" is a contraction of a saying and consequently is often taken to mean the precise opposite of what it actually means. the full saying is something like "The blood of the covenant is thicker than the water of the womb". If you put a diverse team together with a common goal then their diversity will quickly become a non-issue. To my mind this is an effective diversity policy.