Glossary of Key Terms

Equity Center Glossary of Key Terms:

Below is a glossary of key terms related to diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and social justice:

1. Diversity:

- The presence and recognition of a variety of identities, backgrounds, and experiences within a group, organization, or community. This includes dimensions such as race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, ability, religion, and more.

2. Equity:

- Ensuring fairness and justice in the distribution of resources, opportunities, and benefits. It involves identifying and addressing systemic barriers that may disproportionately affect marginalized groups.

3. Inclusion:

- Creating an environment where all individuals, regardless of their identities or backgrounds, feel valued, respected, and empowered to participate fully.

4. Belonging:

- A sense of acceptance, value, and connection that individuals feel within a group, organization, or community. It goes beyond mere inclusion and involves feeling like an integral part of a community.

5. Social Justice:

- The pursuit of equality and fairness in the distribution of resources, opportunities, and privileges within society, particularly for marginalized and underrepresented groups.

6. Intersectionality:

- The interconnectedness of various aspects of a person's identity (e.g., race, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic status) and how these intersect to shape unique experiences and challenges.

7. Microaggressions:

- Subtle, often unintentional, actions or comments that communicate derogatory or belittling messages to individuals based on their race, gender, or other aspects of their identity.

8. Implicit Bias:

- Unconscious attitudes, stereotypes, or beliefs that influence our behavior, often leading to unintentional discrimination or inequitable treatment of certain groups.

9. Privilege:

- Unearned advantages or benefits granted to certain groups based on their social identities, which can be invisible or taken for granted by those who possess them.

10. Marginalization:

- The process by which certain individuals or groups are pushed to the fringes of society, often resulting in exclusion, discrimination, and reduced access to resources or opportunities.

11. Institutional Racism:

- Systemic policies, practices, and procedures within institutions (like government, education, and workplaces) that create and perpetuate disparities and advantages based on race.

12. Allyship:

- The act of supporting and advocating for marginalized or underrepresented groups. Allies work to create inclusive spaces and advocate for equity.

13. Cultural Competence:

- The ability to interact effectively with people from different cultures or backgrounds, understanding and respecting their perspectives, values, and norms.

14. Stereotype Threat:

- The fear or anxiety experienced by individuals when they believe they may be judged based on a negative stereotype associated with their identity group.

15. Bystander Intervention:

- The act of stepping in and taking action when witnessing a situation where harm or discrimination is occurring.

16. Affinity Groups:

- Groups of individuals who come together based on shared characteristics or experiences, often to provide support, networking, and advocacy.

17. Cultural Humility:

- A lifelong commitment to self-evaluation and self-critique in order to learn from, relate to, and work effectively with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds.

18. Transgender:

- A term used to describe individuals whose gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth.

19. LGBTQ+:

- An acronym representing lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and other sexual orientations and gender identities.

20. Microaffirmations:

- Small, intentional acts or gestures that communicate respect, validation, and affirmation to individuals, particularly those from marginalized or underrepresented groups.

This glossary provides a starting point for understanding key terms related to diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and social justice. Continued learning and engagement with these concepts can help promote a more inclusive and equitable society.

To learn more, please contact Robin Avant, Campus Dean of Students and Faculty
203.332.5061

LH A214