When digging into issues of equity and inclusion, you may also come across some other terms that are unfamiliar and possibly challenging. For the purposes of this learning module, we are using the following definitions.
White Supremacy: the belief that white people are inherently superior to people from all other racial and ethnic groups and therefore rightfully the dominant group in society.
Diversity: the understanding that each individual is unique, and recognizing individual differences. These differences can include race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, age, physical abilities, religious beliefs, political beliefs, or other ideologies.
Equity: the fair treatment, access, opportunity, and advancement for all people, while also striving to identify and eliminate barriers that have prevented the full participation of marginalized groups.
Inclusion: the act of creating environments in which any individual or group can be and feel welcomed, respected, supported, and valued to fully participate.
Intersectionality: the overlap of various social identities such as race, gender, sexuality, and class, which contributes to the specific type of systemic oppression and discrimination experienced by such groups.