Equity and Inclusion: The Missing Pieces by Kathy Lechman, PhD Director, Equity and Inclusion

Objectives To define equity and inclusion To identify strategies to enhance our efforts to create equitable and inclusive environments To share best practices

Establishing a safe zone Respecting each other Actively Listen Be open All questions are welcome Disagreeing is ok No judging each other Participant driven Others

Framing the conversation Free write on the following Your thoughts on diversity In a social context, what does equality mean/look like? Define inclusion How do you know if you are included-how are you treated when you feel included

Diversity Diversity, a mosaic of people who bring a variety of backgrounds, styles, perspectives, values, and beliefs as assets to the groups and organizations with which they interact.

Equity Equity is not the same as formal equality. Formal equality implies sameness. Equity, on the other hand, assumes difference and takes difference into account to ensure a fair process and, ultimately, a fair (or equitable) outcome.

Equity /

Inclusion “The active, intentional, and ongoing engagement with diversity—in people, in the curriculum, in the co-curriculum, and in communities (intellectual, social, cultural, geographical) with which individuals might connect—in ways that increase one’s awareness, content knowledge, cognitive sophistication, and empathic understanding of the complex ways individuals interact within systems and institutions” (AAC&U, 2009, ¶ 3).

Privilege-unearned advantage

Not earned…given Ascribed based on an identity…that we have no control over Having privilege gives you advantages over others What do you do with your privilege?

“In order to truly understand issues of diversity, we must consider the idea of privilege and how it impacts everything around us—in and out of the classroom..” – Teaching Effectiveness Program University of Oregon ctor/instructorprivilege.html

How did systems of oppression and privilege begin and how are they able to continue?

“… anyone who holds privilege, whether it is skin color, gender, sexuality, class, ability, or age, must recognize their privilege as such and take responsibility for it. Lip service alone is not going to cut it. Simple recognition without any firm commitment to material and/or personal change is politicking the chameleonesque movements that allow a person of privilege to appear progressive and caring about someone else’s well-being at one moment in time and space, yet fail to act when moments of potential rupture arise in their space of personal comfort. Politically correct attitudes tell people what they want to hear without revealing what lurk within: – Johal, 2005,

How are perceptions formed? Perceptions are formed by associating with people who are similar to us in race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, income, education, lifestyle, etc. These perceptions can become stereotypes.

Intent vs. Impact

Even those with the best of intentions cause harm. When we focus on our intent vs. our impact.. “we think that as long as we did not intend to cause harm we should be afforded the benefit of the doubt (Cullen, 2008:19)”.

What can we do? Step outside of our comfort zone Learn about different groups even if you do not work with them Understanding historical context is important Take pride in and celebrate your heritage Attend ethnic heritage festivals of different groups-even if you are the only one who is different

What can we do? Talk about differences Avoid “I don’t see color” the reality is that we are different shades and it is okay. Don’t be afraid to buy multicultural toys for children Identify and acknowledge your assumptions and stereotypes Operate with a culturally relative lens

What can we do? Who determines what the norm is? Nuclear family versus extended family structure Ethnocentrism Do not equate different with pathological or dysfunctional

What can we do? Learn about the deeper aspects of culture Do not place value judgments on people who do things differently than we are accustomed to Continue to learn Stretch yourself personally and professionally Ask questions Engage in discussions

Your thoughts on diversity-dictate how you will approach equity and inclusion. What will you do to build inclusive environments?