The proposed standards will help explain how DEI can be successfully employed.

Apr 29, 2026

ASTM International’s human resource management committee (E63) is developing two proposed standards (WK91417 and WK91423) that will help organizations better understand what diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) strategy is and how it can be successfully employed.

“These proposed standards will help any organization that wants to become more inclusive and equitable,” says ASTM member Sara Taylor. “The standards will help them to better understand legal ramifications and what work is actually going to help them transform their organization, versus just being transactional.”

Taylor says the proposed standards, which are focused on DEI strategy development (WK91417) and effective, measurable, and sustainable diversity standards (WK91423), will provide a better understanding of what DEI is (and is not) and well help to ensure that organizations are following effective and best practices.

According to Taylor, the committee is working with representatives of national organizations that are examining DEI practices and asking how such practices can be best adapted to the needs of the organization, as well as its potential employees.

Experienced DEI practitioners are encouraged to join E63 in developing these proposed standards.

ASTM welcomes participation in the development of its standards. Join ASTM.

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