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