Equity, diversity & inclusion
Our commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI)
Douglas College is committed to fostering an equitable, accessible, diverse and inclusive campus where all people feel a sense of belonging. We will do this by:
- Proactively identifying and addressing barriers and biases to ensure that our systems, and structures are equitable and free from racism and other forms of discrimination.
- Embedding EDI in our institutional culture, structures, policies and practices.
- Regularly evaluating and measuring our progress towards diversity, accessibility, employment equity and experience of inclusion and belonging.
Definitions
Equity
Equity refers to justice and fairness. It involves making conscious efforts to remove institutional, social and individual barriers that limit opportunities and jeopardize well-being. To achieve equity, it is necessary to identify and eliminate attitudes, practices, policies and cultural messages that contribute to and reinforce unfair outcomes.
Equity is not the same as equality. Both encourage fairness, but equality does so by treating everyone equally, regardless of their needs or circumstances. Equity is about treating individuals differently based on their needs, circumstances, systemic and historical injustices.
Diversity
Diversity is a state of being. It represents a vast range of similar and different traits that make up who an individual or a group is. Often called diversity dimensions, these traits include but are not limited to sex, gender, race, age, disability, ethnicity, gender expression and identity, sexual orientation, indigenous identity, generation, culture, belief system, religion, marital status, pregnancy, parental status socio-economic status, language, accent, appearance, mental health, nationality, geography, education, work experience, work style, job role, thinking style and personality type.
Inclusion
Inclusion is being respected, valued and supported for who you are. It is a process of creating a culture and environment that appreciates, and effectively leverages the unique experiences, skills and perspectives of all people at the College to ensure that everyone feels a sense of belonging.
