DEI Glossary: Key Terms Explained
Unpacking DEI
Welcome to your quick and easy guide to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) terminology! Whether you're new to the concepts or looking to refresh your understanding, this glossary will equip you with the key terms needed to navigate the complex world of DEI.
Diversity: More Than Just Numbers
Diversity isn't just about filling quotas or ticking boxes. It's about enriching environments with a broad range of human experiences and perspectives. Embracing diversity means recognizing and valuing the differences that each individual brings to a community or organization across a variety of dimensions, from race and gender to socioeconomic status, communication styles, and so much more.
Equity: Leveling the Playing Field
Equity is about fairness and justice in the way a person is treated. It involves identifying and eliminating barriers that prevent the full participation of an individual. Equity should not be confused with equality, where everyone in a group gets the same resource. Equity focuses on the circumstances of a single individual and seeks to provide them with the tools they need to achieve the outcomes they desire, from policy adjustments to resource allocation or accommodations.
Inclusion: Everyone Gets a Seat at the Table
Inclusion is the practice of ensuring that everyone feels welcomed, respected, and valued. It’s about actively engaging diverse perspectives in decision-making processes. True inclusion goes beyond mere presence to genuine involvement and influence.
Accessibility: Removing Barriers
Accessibility refers to the design of products, devices, services, or environments for people who experience disabilities. This term is key to understanding how spaces and technologies can be optimized to support all users, regardless of their physical or mental abilities.
Intersectionality: Understanding Overlapping Identities
Intersectionality is a framework for understanding how aspects of a person's social and other identities combine to create different modes of discrimination and privilege. In the image above, there are three overlapping areas (at least that we can see): gender, ethnicity, and ability. So there are several challenges she may face when it comes to discrimination and privilege. It is important to consider these overlapping factors when addressing the needs and challenges of diverse groups.
Allyship: More Than Support
Allyship involves actively supporting groups other than one’s own, in pursuit of ending oppression and injustice. Being an ally means more than just believing in equality. Allyship requires action and commitment to making real changes, not performative ones like sharing a Pride flag on social media in June, for example.
Cultural Competence: Beyond Awareness
Cultural competence is the ability to understand, communicate with, and effectively interact with people across cultures. It includes being aware of one’s own worldview, gaining knowledge of different cultural practices and worldviews, and developing cross-cultural skills.
DEI is a Living Language
Understanding DEI terminology is crucial for effectively discussing and implementing diversity, equity, and inclusion strategies. As language evolves, so too will the terms we use to discuss DEI. This is just a very small handful of basic terms. Keep learning, keep questioning, and keep engaging with these concepts to truly make a difference.
Stay Informed and Engaged
Don't stop here—continuing to expand your DEI vocabulary is vital for personal and professional growth. Subscribe to our newsletter for regular updates, deep dives into each term, and practical tips on how to apply these concepts in your daily life and work. Let's grow together in understanding and action!
