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Inclusion Matters

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Inclusion Matters

by Aleasa Word, FAACT’s Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

March 2022

There are lots of words floating around relating to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). So this month, we will focus on a few vocabulary terms to get you up to speed.

Equity vs Equality: Though we want to have equal rights and opportunities for everyone, we must also make sure they are equitable. If we say we want to make sure everyone has a coat for the winter, that is great. The key is to make sure that the coat each person gets fits them because it is not a one-size-fits-all situation. Equality is ensuring everyone gets a coat. Equity is making sure they all get a coat that fits.

Microaggressions: These are subtle slights that can be intentionally or unintentionally said or implied through behaviors that can put people down, translate into hostility, or support attitudes that are negative about certain groups of people (e.g., women, minorities, differently abled, LGBTQ+, elderly).

Non-Binary: This is a non-gender-specific identity that people may feel best represents them. Some pronouns that may be considered are they/their/them or neopronouns like xe, ze, sie, co. Misgendering others can be hurtful. If you don’t know a person’s pronouns, the simplest way to find out is to ask.

Although some things may be new to you or me, embracing differences is not new. If we continue to operate in a space of compassion and kindness, the world will be a much better place for us all.