Equity refers to fair and just practices and policies that ensure all community members can thrive. Equity is not equality. Equality implies treating everyone as if their experiences are exactly the same. Equity means acknowledging and addressing structural inequalities that create advantages and disadvantages. Equal treatment results in equity only if everyone starts with equal opportunities.

Inclusion refers to a community where all members are and feel respected, have a sense of belonging, and are able to participate and achieve to their potential. While diversity is essential, it is not sufficient. An institution can be both diverse and non-inclusive at the same time, thus a sustained practice of creating inclusive environments is necessary for success.

Diversity refers to all aspects of human difference, social identities, and social group differences, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, creed, color, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual identity, socio-economic status, language, culture, national origin, religion/spirituality, age, (dis)ability, and military/veteran status, political perspective, and associational preferences.