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In the learn-and-work ecosystem, the phrase Diversity Equity & Inclusion (DEI) is a three-part framework used to promote the fair treatment and full participation of all people, especially groups historically underrepresented or subject to discrimination on the basis of race/ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability, age, religion, etc.
The terms, equity and equality, are often used interchangeably, however, there are differences between the two.
According to the Annie E. Casey Foundation, to achieve and sustain equity, it needs to be thought of as a structural and systemic concept. 'Systemic equity is a complex combination of interrelated elements consciously designed to create, support, and sustain social justice. It is a dynamic process that reinforces and replicates equitable ideas, power, resources, strategies, conditions, habits and outcomes.'
According to the Asia Society, equity in education means that personal or social circumstances such as gender, ethnic origin, or family background, are not obstacles to achieving educational potential (definition of fairness) and that all individuals reach at least a basic minimum level of skills (definition of inclusion).
The University of Southern California (USC) Center for Urban Education describes equity-mindedness as the perspective or mode of thinking exhibited by practitioners who call attention to patterns of inequity in student outcomes. These practitioners are willing to take personal and institutional responsibility for the success of their students, and critically reassess their own practices. It also requires that practitioners are race-conscious and aware of the social and historical context of exclusionary practices in higher education in America.
Lumina Foundation’s diversity statement is as follows: 'A lack of access to high-quality learning opportunities after high school with adequate academic, financial, and social support has denied Black, Hispanic, and Native American people opportunities to advance economically and to fully participate in society. Intentionally designed policies and deliberate actions created these unjust conditions. It will take equally focused efforts to achieve racial equity in America. Achieving fair and just outcomes for people of color must be the mission of higher education.'
In recent years, conservative legislators have begun to target diversity programs in state agencies, schools, and private companies, particularly implementing restrictions on DEI in states. Examples include Alabama, Florida, Idaho, Indiana, North Carolina, North Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah and Wyoming. Some policies (like Alabama’s) ban state funds from being used for diversity-based programs, activities, and offices on college campuses. Some states, like Texas, ban diversity offices at universities altogether. Florida’s law also targets diversity training or programs in private workplaces. Legislators in at least 19 other states have proposed similar restrictions, although several efforts have failed to pass or were vetoed. Many believe this wave of efforts have been spurred by the Supreme Court’s setting new limits on affirmative action, a policy that allowed higher education institutions to use race as one factor among many in student admissions to address historical inequalities.
Equity drives many decisions, policies, and practices in the learn-and-work ecosystem, and directly impacts learners striving to achieve educational, economic, and social mobility throughout their lifetime. Considerations of equity have come under intense scrutiny in recent years. Conservative legislators have begun to target diversity programs in state agencies, schools, and private companies, particularly implementing restrictions on DEI in states.
Annie E. Casey Foundation: Equity vs. Equality and Other Racial Justice Definitions. Updated 4/14/2021 and originally posted 8/24/2020
Asia Society: Equity and Quality in Education Supporting Disadvantaged Students and Schools. The report is by the OECD Education Directorate with support from the Asia Society as background for first Asia Society Global Cities Network Symposium, Hong Kong (May 2012).
Levine, A. (September 2021). Ensuring Equity and Choice in the Future of Higher Education. Diverse Issues in Higher Education.
Lumina Foundation. (2020). Lumina’s Commitment to Racial Equity.
USC Center for Race and Equity. Website includes definition of Equity Mindedness, and Developing a Practice of Equity Mindedness (12 indicators to help institutions develop a practice of equity-mindedness).
Western Governors University - Indiana. (July 2021). An Overview of Equity in Education.
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