Educational Studies: Equity, Diversity Inclusion (B.A.) (2023)

FAQs

What is diversity vs equity in education? ›

Teaching for diversity refers to acknowledging a range of differences in the classroom. Teaching for inclusion signifies embracing difference. Teaching for equity allows the differences to transform the way we think, teach, learn and act such that all experiences and ways of being are handled with fairness and justice.

Not only does creating greater multicultural awareness and inclusion help students with different backgrounds and needs succeed, but it encourages acceptance and helps prepare students to thrive in an exponentially diverse world.

Updated March 2022

DEI stands for diversity, equity, and inclusion, and is an important topic in all industries today—including HigherEd. Many organizations consider DEI a priority when it comes to recruiting and hiring, advancement, and strategic decision-making.

DEI vs D&I

The obvious difference between DEI and D&I is the inclusion of “E” – equity – in the former acronym. This doesn't necessarily mean that companies that explicitly pursue “D&I” policies and programs have made a conscious decision to exclude equity.

An example of equity in education can be found in teachers who are able to adapt their teaching style to match a student's learning capabilities. Some students thrive as auditory learners, who process information out loud and ask questions as needed.

Diversity among students in education directly impacts their performance. Studies show that students work better in a diverse environment, enabling them to concentrate and push themselves further when there are people of other backgrounds working alongside them.

It promotes personal growth-and a healthy society. Diversity challenges stereotyped preconceptions; it encourages critical thinking; and it helps students learn to communicate effectively with people of varied backgrounds.

For example, you might state: “My experience as a member of an underrepresented group has helped me build a toolkit for mentoring students who face similar challenges based on their identity" (Morris, 2018, slide 13).

What makes a successful DEI program? ›

To succeed in implementing DEI programs

It requires making changes across the board by removing biases and creating an equitable environment where underrepresented groups feel comfortable and secure, contributing to the organization's success and achieving career growth.

4 common types of diversity

Broadly speaking, there are four types of diversity: internal, external, organizational, and worldview.

Is the acronym Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) outdated? After a summer of uprisings for racial justice during a global pandemic, we felt this era required us to lead with Justice and so we renamed our office JEDI, transition from the DEI name, to reflect our paradigm shift in 2020.

Educational equity means that every student has access to the educational resources and rigor they need at the right moment in their education across race, gender, ethnicity, language, disability, sexual orientation, family background, and/or family income.

Educational equity means that each child receives what they need to develop to their full academic and social potential.

Fair outcomes, treatment, and opportunities for all students. Ensuring equity in education is a necessary component in narrowing the achievement gap. Teachers and school leaders ensure equity by recognizing, respecting, and attending to the diverse strengths and challenges of the students they serve.

For example, an equity-minded person will notice if faculty belonging to a minoritized race/ethnicity are being promoted at a much lower rate than their white colleagues.

How do you create an inclusive classroom? ›

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are three closely linked values held by many organizations that are working to be supportive of different groups of individuals, including people of different races, ethnicities, religions, abilities, genders, and sexual orientations.

D&I allows organizations to be more inclusive of different ideas, cultures and lifestyles, leading to improved company culture. It also puts companies in the position to hire the best employees from a diverse and often untapped candidate pool while increasing customer satisfaction with their services.

Diversity in the classroom refers to differences in social identities. A person's age, race, socioeconomic status, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, disability, and nationality all comprise a person's social identity.

Access is the most crucial step before you can have a DEI plan. It is critical! Disparities, policies, practice, and programs continue to be modified in small ways and do seem to make an impact on our organizations. IDEA is not one size fits all approach.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion specialists typically hold a bachelor's degree in a human resources-related field. A bachelor of science business administration in human resource management, for example, encompasses coursework like business management, accounting, psychology, industrial relations, and more.

What is the difference between equity and equality in higher education? ›

While equality means offering every student the same opportunities, equity means offering opportunities that acknowledge and address the disadvantages some students face.

Diversity can include race, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, geographical representation, political beliefs and more. However, studies also show race, gender and sexual orientation are nearly always the top three concerns for those working in the field. But inclusion is equally important.

An Example of Inclusion in Higher Education

Making sure students are fully equipped to work in a global and diverse world. Reflecting the needs of the students within the curriculum. Ensuring all curricula are accessible to every student, regardless of learning style or background.

Why is diversity important in college? Learning alongside people from different backgrounds and cultures prepares students for the real world. Moreover, diversity in college can become a source of strength and joy that enriches a student's life well beyond graduation.

Cultural diversity makes colleges and universities better places to learn. Often referred to as a “melting pot,” the US welcomes diverse people from around the world to live, work, and study. This cultural diversity is part of what makes US colleges and universities unique places for innovation, growth, and success.

Use positive language and tone Create a compelling headline other than "DEI Commitment Statement" Tips: Page 2 Community values and DEI-related goals Specifics about DEI initiatives, resources, and people doing DEI work Acknowledgement of historically underrepresented or marginalized groups (e.g. gender, race, sexual ...

DEI tips are ideas that will foster equality in an organization. Examples include eradicating bias, getting leadership buy-in, and addressing pay inequalities. These initiatives aim to ensure that organizations benefit from a diverse workforce.

How do I start a DEI initiative at work? ›

Teaching for diversity refers to acknowledging a range of differences in the classroom. Teaching for inclusion signifies embracing difference. Teaching for equity allows the differences to transform the way we think, teach, learn and act such that all experiences and ways of being are handled with fairness and justice.

Key Takeaways. Diversity is about differences, equity is about providing equal access, and inclusion is about fostering a sense of value and empowerment in employees. A substantial number of employees and job seekers consider a company's diversity to be very important when applying.

Diversity in the classroom refers to differences in social identities. A person's age, race, socioeconomic status, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, disability, and nationality all comprise a person's social identity.

Equity is the act of ensuring that processes and programs are impartial, fair and provide equal possible outcomes for every individual. Inclusion is the practice of making people feel a sense of belonging at work. Diversity is the presence of differences within a given setting.

Equality sets the foundation of creating an equal playing field while equity levels out the playing field by identifying disparities to ensure everyone has what they need to achieve success. In viewing everyone strictly as equal and nothing more, you're not being equitable.

Inclusion and Diversity Cannot Progress Without Equity and Access.

The six principles of work equity are diversity, inclusion, equal opportunity, fairness, transparency, and accountability. Combined, they create a fair and inclusive workplace where all individuals have equivalent job and promotion opportunities.

What is Diversity in the Classroom? To define diversity in the classroom, it helps to understand what diversity is in and of itself. Simply put, diversity is everything that makes people different from each other, such as race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, ability or religious belief.

research BrieF. Equality v Equity. Equality in education is achieved when students are all treated the same and have access to similar resources. Equity is achieved when all students receive the resources they need so they graduate prepared for success after high school.

What is another word for diversity and inclusion? ›

synonyms for ethnic inclusiveness

On this page you'll find 7 synonyms, antonyms, and words related to ethnic inclusiveness, such as: pluralism, diversity, cross-culturalism, cultural diversity, ethnic mosaic, and multiracialism.

I am committed to working to seek for solutions throughout my career. I am committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in my clinical work, research and training programs. I have completed Bias 101 and Safe Zone training, and proudly display an equity sign on my laptop.

“Diversity means nothing without equity and Inclusion”

Simply put, while diversity leads to the presence of differences within an organisation, equity is the process that ensures impartial and fair systems through which the possible outcomes are equal for each employee.

Equality means each individual or group of people is given the same resources or opportunities. Equity recognizes that each person has different circumstances and allocates the exact resources and opportunities needed to reach an equal outcome.

Protected characteristics

These are age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.