Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Racism, prejudices and inequities are ingrained in our history and deeply embedded in our institutions today, leading to the injustices we see across all sectors. Institutionalized racism has existed for centuries, and it will take time to undo the damage. Embracing equity requires us to identify, name, and dismantle systemic racism, oppression, and injustice of all types. This work begins with understanding the foundational elements behind Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

Diversity refers to the representation and composition of various social groups, including Inclusive of gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, age, sexual orientation or identity, socio-economic status, education or physical sensory, or mental ability, immigration status, diverse life experiences, heritages, faiths, and values.

Equity is about ensuring fair treatment and access to opportunities for everyone. Unlike equality, which means treating everyone the same, equity acknowledges that different people have different needs and challenges, and it works to eliminate barriers so that all individuals have the opportunity to succeed.

Inclusion means actively fostering an environment where diverse individuals feel welcomed, affirmed, celebrated, and appreciated, and where there is appreciation of different approaches, styles, perspectives, and experiences.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are complementary concepts. While diversity tends to focus on quantity, equity and inclusion are focused on quality. Diversity, equity and inclusion go hand in hand. We acknowledge that intersectionality exists. Intersectionalities are the complex and cumulative ways in which the effects of multiple forms of discrimination (such as racism, ableism, sexism, and classism) combine, overlap, or intersect. By acknowledging these intersections, we can move towards more inclusive, just, and equitable solutions.