1/12/20 Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion
Hello Trailblazers,
We are going to talk about what equity, diversity, and inclusion mean and why they are important to be mindful of. Let's start off by defining each one of these terms:
Equity
Treating everyone equally, providing equal opportunities to every. Removing barriers so equal opportunities can truly be given
Diversity
The practice of involving people from different cultural backgrounds based on characteristics like ethnicity, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender, income levels, and physical and mental abilities.
Inclusion
Creating (diverse) spaces where everyone is respected and valued and differences between people are embraced
Why does it matter?
Schools, workplaces, grocery stores, friendship groups are all places where diversity exists regardless of our choices. However, our choices can impact if people who are different than us feel welcome and respected when we share some of these spaces. At Marcus Whitman, we want to create a space where are students are valued, respected and included. Kids, teens, and adults are bullied all over the world on their differences that are a part of their identity. People use these differences to create a false belief of inferiority of individual they are bullying or excluding.
What can you do?
Call out bullying, or discrimination based on cultural differences.
If you do not feel comfortable addressing the discrimination, tell a trusted adult you know who will take action
Understand your own biases towards different groups of people. Question stereotypes or generalizations? Where did you learn these generalizations?
Our biases can subconsciously affect how we interact and treat others without even realizing it!
Get to know individuals who are different from you on a personal level
This can help erase biases and stereotypes you hold over people different from you
Research histories of marginalized groups
Engage in more self reflection around your own identity and how it affects your everyday interactions