Inclusion
“Inclusion refers to a campus community where all members are and feel respected, have a sense of belonging, and are able to participate and achieve to their potential. While diversity is essential, it is not sufficient. An institution can be both diverse and non-inclusive at the same time, thus a sustained practice of creating inclusive environments is necessary for success.” (Source: Iowa DDEI)
Diversity
“Diversity refers to all aspects of human difference, social identities, and social group differences, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, creed, color, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual identity, socio-economic status, language, culture, national origin, religion/spirituality, age, [dis]ability, military/veteran status, political perspective, and associational preferences.” (Source: Iowa DDEI)
Equity
“Equity refers to fair and just practices and policies that ensure all campus community members can thrive. Equity is different than equality in that equality implies treating everyone as if their experiences are exactly the same. Being equitable means acknowledging and addressing structural inequalities – historic and current – that advantage some and disadvantage others. Equal treatment results in equity only if everyone starts with equal access to opportunities.” (Source: Iowa DDEI)
Accessibility
“Accessibility refers to individuals with disabilities being able to independently acquire the same information, engage in the same interactions, and enjoy the same services within the same timeframe as individuals without disabilities, with substantially equivalent ease of use. Providing accessibility means actively identifying and removing barriers to allow for full participation.” (Sources: Iowa DDEI BUILD course materials, UI Accessibility, Council discussion)
Social Justice
“Social justice refers to collaborative action. It is a process towards the overall fairness of society and the manner in which it divides its rewards and burdens among groups of people. Social justice challenges existing power dynamics while acknowledging historical and institutional inequities. Progress and success are measured with respect to a community or society, rather than at the individual level, and based on the ability of all its members to realize their full potential.” (Sources: UI Admissions Social Justice website, International City/County Management Association, Council discussion)