While there are several acronyms in common use today, we have chosen, for consistency, to use the acronym DEI throughout this action plan. While these terms have various definitions, for the purposes of this action plan, the organization defines the terms equity, diversity and inclusion as follows:
Diversity: The presence of a wide range of human qualities and attributes – with which we are born and gain through experience. These include age, race, ethnicity, gender, physical and mental ability, sexual orientation, educational background, socioeconomic status, marital status, language, and lived experience, among many others.
Equity: The outcome of policies and actions that create a more diverse and inclusive institution that reflects its community.
Inclusion: The actions taken to confront historical exclusion or underrepresentation and bringing those affected into decision-making to increase awareness, address disparities and foster understanding, so that all feel welcome and valued.