What is Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion?

Diversity: The presence of differences that enrich our workplace/classroom. Some examples of diversity may include race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, ethnicity, nationality, socioeconomic status, language, (dis)ability, age, religious commitment, or political perspective in our workplace. There are many more!

Equity: The act of ensuring that access, resources, and opportunities are provided for all to succeed and grow, especially for those who are underrepresented and have been historically disadvantaged.

Inclusion: The development of a culture that is welcoming to all people regardless of race, ethnicity, sex, gender identity, age, abilities, and religion and everyone is valued, respected and able to reach their full potential.

(graphic from https://www.wordstream.com/blog/ws/2022/05/31/diversity-equity-inclusion-resources)

GOAL of DEI Initiatives:  To foster an inclusive and uplifting class climate where all students feel seen, supported and respected, regardless of personal identities (gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, (dis)ability, or any other marginalized identity.)

What does a classroom that promotes DEI  look like?

• A classroom that promotes DEI values:

  1. Fosters a culture of mutual respect.

  2. Fosters an environment where students feel comfortable engaging with material and peers without fear of being judged, put down or ridiculed .

How do we achieve a classroom that champions the values of DEI?

• Respect people’s identities and beliefs

  • Respect preferred names/pronouns (if unsure, ask!)

  • Share your own experiences, but do not speak for others

  • Use “I” statements → critique the ideas, NOT the person

• Keep an open mind!

  • We often have much to learn from people who are different than us, therefore:

    • Be receptive to unfamiliar ways of thinking!

    • Expand our own perspectives

• Hold the“Someone in the room” Assumption

  • When discussing sensitive topics (ex. mental health, pathology, marginalization, structural inequity, etc.), do so in a respectful manner, and assume that someone in the room has personal experience with the topic.

  • When we hold the "someone in the room" assumption, we are reminded to be sensitive to the needs of Bothers and be kind in how we communicate.

Research about DEI 

(Iyer, 2022) Understanding advantaged groups' opposition to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies: The role of perceived threat 

(Entegoff, 2022) Reframing Psychological Research Methods Courses as Tools for Social Justice Education 

(Mustafaa & Martinez, 2022) A Visionary Working Model for Pursuing Social Justice Praxis Through Educational Psychology Courses 

Media

Melinda Briana Epler: "3 Ways to be a Better Ally in the Workplace" 

Anthony Jack: "On Diversity: Access Ain't Inclusion" 

E'Ula Green: "How to Go Beyond Diversity and Inclusion to Community and Belonging" 

Pixar Shorts: "Purl" 

• Purl reflection questions:

  • What about this short video struck you? Have you ever been in a situation like this? What parts of your identity did these experiences make you more aware of?

  • Why do you think Purl seemed uncomfortable at first? What are some behaviors/norms that made her feel excluded? 

  • What steps did Purl take to make her work environment more inclusive? How could her colleagues change their behaviors to be more inclusive to diverse employees?