Definitions

Definitions - adapted from Yale and Harvard glossaries of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging terms.

Definitions

Ally

A person who is not a member of a marginalized or disadvantaged group but who expresses or gives support to that group.

Anti Bias

An active commitment to challenging prejudice, stereotyping, and all forms of discrimination. 

Belonging

The goal of our DEI efforts. Everyone should share a sense of belonging, meaning that they feel welcome and valued for everything that their unique identity brings to our community. A ubiquitous sense of belonging is what allows everyone to flourish individually and as a collective. 

Cultural Competence

The ability to engage with, understand and respond appropriately to people of varying cultures, ages, races, religions, sexual orientations, abilities, and ethnicities in a way that recognizes and appreciates difference and allows individuals to feel respected and valued.

Diversity

The condition of being different or having differences. Differences among people with respect to age, class, ethnicity, gender, health, physical and mental ability, race, sexual orientation, religion, physical size, education level, job and function, personality traits, and other human differences. 

Equity

Fair treatment for all while striving to identify and eliminate inequities and barriers.

Ethnicity

Classification of humans based on shared cultural heritage, such as place of birth, language, customs, etc. Not a synonym for race. 

Inclusion

As a diversity concept, it is a strategy, an approach, or a concept focusing on all members playing a part in a group’s or an organization’s mission, and a level of respect which offers the opportunity to share unique perspectives and contribute individual strengths. 

Intersectionality

A concept that describes the ways in which multiple identities intersect and cannot be disentangled. Intersectionality also posits that oppressive institutions, such as sexism and racism, work in tandem; as such, these forces should be analyzed together. 

Race

Group identity related to local geographic or global human population distinguished as a group by genetic physical characteristics, such as skin color, hair texture, facial features, etc. Today, race is understood as a social construct, without biological merit. Ethnicity and race are not synonymous. For example, a Black person from France might consider their ethnicity French while their race would be Black. 

Racism

Systematic discrimination based on race. Racial prejudice + power = racism.