Diversity | Results from the intentional gathering of varying perspectives that foster institutional excellence and genuine community relationships. Valuing diversity means recognizing and honoring the strengths each person brings to our community as we collectively confront humanity’s urgent challenges. In teaching and learning, diversity refers to difference — understood as an historically and socially constructed set of value assumptions about what/who matters — which figures essentially in power dynamics from the local to the global. Some differences have been made to matter more than others.
Equity | The process of modifying practices that have intentionally or unintentionally disadvantaged a particular group. The outcome of equity is that all people have an equal opportunity to succeed in reaching equality in outcomes.
Inclusion | Describes the institutional processes that incorporate and promote diversity. Inclusion refers to how institutional practices, policies and habits transform to include diverse people and perspectives, especially those from underrepresented and underserved groups. The ongoing and adaptive practice of inclusion impacts campus culture and climate.
Accessibility | The “ability to access” the functionality of a system or entity, and gain the related benefits. The degree to which a product, service, or environment is accessible by as many people as possible. Accessible design ensures both direct (unassisted) access and indirect access through assistive technology (e.g., computer screen readers). Universal design ensures that an environment can be accessed, understood and used to the greatest extent possible by all people.
Definitions retrieved from The University of San Diego's "Quick Guide to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Definitions." 2022-2023.
Image retrieved from "Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Vocabulary," The Avarna Group. https://theavarnagroup.com/resources/equity-inclusion-diversity-vocabulary/.