
Diversity
Diversity encompasses how people are both different and similar. It includes many intersecting dimensions, such as race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, language, culture, beliefs, neurodiversity, physical ability, socio-economic status, immigration status, and more.
Equity
Equity means reducing disparities in opportunities, experiences, and outcomes for all members of the college community. It addresses historical and current social bias and exclusion, including how social structures and policies disadvantage some groups while benefiting others.
Inclusion
Inclusion means fostering a campus environment where people feel respected, accepted, and connected. It ensures that community members engage authentically and participate in the ongoing evolution of campus life.
Note: The above are “working definitions” — our work is happening in this context and our work will also evolve these definitions. The definitions draw upon these sources:
Diversity Toolkit Introduction, National Education Association (accessed July 25, 2018)
Museus & Jayakumar, eds, Creating Campus Cultures, pp 12-17; Routledge, 2012
Ginsberg & Wlodkowski, Diversity & Motivation, 2nd Ed, Chapter 2; Jossey Bass, 2009
“Qualitative Inquiry for Equity in Higher Education.” ASHE Report on Higher Education 2012.