Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI)

Diversity

Diversity is the sum of the ways that people are both different and similar. Diversity has many dimensions that intersect in a wide variety of ways; these dimensions include race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, language, culture, religion, mental and physical ability, class, immigration status, and others.

Equity

Equity means an intentional focus to reduce disparities in opportunities, experiences and outcomes for all members of the campus community. Equity is expressed in a commitment to address historical and current manifestations of social bias and exclusion, including the ways in which social arrangements disadvantage some groups and legitimate others.

Inclusion

Inclusion means belonging to a campus environment in which people are respected, accepted and connected to one another. Community members come together in friendly, caring, and authentic ways, and have opportunities to participate in community life and its ongoing evolution.

Note: The above are “working definitions” — our work is happening in this context and our work will also evolve these definitions. The definitions draw upon these sources:

Diversity Toolkit Introduction, National Education Association (accessed July 25, 2018)
Museus & Jayakumar, eds, Creating Campus Cultures, pp 12-17; Routledge, 2012
Ginsberg & Wlodkowski, Diversity & Motivation, 2nd Ed, Chapter 2; Jossey Bass, 2009
“Qualitative Inquiry for Equity in Higher Education.” ASHE Report on Higher Education 2012.