EQUITY DEFINITION & STATEMENT

Equity is equal access and opportunity to quality programs and services based on unique needs to reach one’s full potential and achieve an intended outcome. This includes socially just policies and procedures that recognize the unique needs of all intersectional identities. These identities include disability, race, ethnicity, cultural and linguistic diversity, gender and sexual orientation and expression, as well as socioeconomic status. To achieve equity, we must reduce systemic barriers that limit access for students, parents/families, and communities. Above all, we must hold ourselves accountable to put our words into practice.

Equity acknowledges that racism and inequalities exist and works to advance fair treatment, access, opportunity, self-determination, and advancement for all people. Equity strives to identify and eliminate barriers that prevent the full participation of some groups; embraces diversity and full inclusion of strengths. Improving equity involves increasing justice and fairness within the procedures and processes of institutions or systems, as well as in their distribution of resources. Tackling equity issues requires an understanding of the root causes of outcome disparities within our society as well as an understanding of our own biases and how some may have benefited from privilege. This may include dismantling existing systems and trying new and innovative approaches that may clash with historical solutions as well as our own ideologies.