DEI Basics.Words matter. This page is about defining terms and coming to a shared understanding of the meaning of diversity, equity, and inclusion at SNHU. Following each definition is a link to a related video.
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Diversity.
Includes individual and group/social differences and similarities across realms of socioeconomic class, race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, physical/cognitive ability, religion, language, national origin, family type, generation, worldview, and more.
Equity.
Fair treatment, access, opportunity, and advancement for all and the elimination of barriers that prevent the full participation of some groups. Unlike equality, where everyone is given the same thing, equity is an acknowledgment that historically underserved and underrepresented populations deserve fairness and justice to remedy systemic conditions that limit their opportunity and access.
Inclusivity.
Active, intentional, and ongoing engagement with diverse people and communities with the goal of deepening a culture of belonging, empowerment, and welcome for all.
Intersectionality.
The interconnected nature of social categorizations such as race, class, and gender, regarded as creating overlapping and interdependent systems of discrimination or disadvantage
Diversity Fatigue.
A sense of overwhelming from participating in programs that take a long time and don't show signs of working at the onset.
Definitions are adapted from the SNHU PODI page as well as The Ascent.
Glossary of Common DEI Terms
A great set of definitions for DEI terms can be found the Washington University in St. Louis Center for Diversity & Inclusion.