Evidence vs. Ignorance in EDI Policy: Supporting LGBTQI+ Inclusion in a Changing Landscape

This presentation explores the development of Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) policies in both supportive and adversarial contexts, with a focus on LGBTQI+ inclusion. Drawing on the sociology of ignorance and evidence-based policymaking, Ozbilgin examines how policies are shaped by scientific evidence, knowledge gaps, ideological resistance, and political backlash. The discussion will discuss recent backlash such as rollbacks in EDI efforts and provide insights into overt and subtle strategies for navigating contemporary challenges in organizational and governmental settings.