Promoting Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging
Building a race equity culture at Brandeis requires intention, effort and collaboration from everyone!
The Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (ODEI) Education and Learning Initiatives serves as the leader for diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) learning at Brandeis University. It is dedicated to creating a haven of respect, education and celebration that aims to develop critical consciousness and awareness of the myriad cultures at Brandeis University.
What We Do
The ODEI Education and Learning Initiatives is part of the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Brandeis.
It also works to foster a welcoming community where varied experiences and perspectives are valued with an understanding that diverse cultures and ethnicities are essential to a well-rounded society.
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Diversity
Diversity means more than race. It refers to a person's race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, ethnicity, nationality, socioeconomic status, language, disability, age, religious affiliation or political perspective.
Equity
Equity denotes attention to justice, fairness and impartiality within a procedure, processes or opportunity. There is a difference between equity and equality. Equality acknowledges disparity in resources and opportunities, and offers everyone the same solution. On the other hand, equity allocates additional resources and opportunities as they are needed to ensure everyone can achieve an equitable outcome.
Inclusion
Inclusion ensures people of all diverse backgrounds feel welcome and have an authentic opportunity to participate. Inclusion refers to the act of including or the state of being included, especially in terms of diversity and equal opportunities. In a social or cultural context, it means creating an environment where everyone, regardless of their differences such as race, gender, religion, ability, etc., is welcomed, valued, and respected. In an educational setting, it refers to the practice of educating students with diverse backgrounds and abilities in the same classroom.
Here's another way of thinking about DEI:
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Diversity is where everyone is invited to the party
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Equity means the music is a mixed genre voted on by the people
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Inclusion means that everyone gets to a chance to dance
Check out the DEI glossary for more information about important terms and concepts.
Diversity, equity and inclusion are important in society today because they promote respect and understanding for all individuals, regardless of differences in race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, ability, religion and other factors. DEI helps create a more inclusive and just society where everyone feels valued, has equal opportunities and is treated with dignity. It also drives innovation and growth by tapping into the collective knowledge, experiences and perspectives of a diverse group of people. Furthermore, DEI is critical in addressing systemic issues of discrimination, prejudice and inequality that exist in society, and working towards creating a more equitable future.
The importance of DEI is not only common sense. It is how we co-create the fair and loving community we deserve. Our schools and workplaces thrive when people are treated fairly and oppression is reduced. DEI stresses the importance of involving more voices, providing equitable opportunities and acknowledging the pervasive challenges faced by historically marginalized groups.
DEI does not just level the playing field. It builds a new framework for establishing the Beloved Community.
Overall, mandating DEI training is a step towards creating a more equitable and inclusive workplace and society. It can have significant positive impacts on both individuals and organizations, including:
- Improves workplace culture: DEI training helps create a more inclusive and respectful workplace culture where employees feel valued and supported, leading to increased morale and job satisfaction.
- Addresses bias and discrimination: DEI training helps employees recognize and understand their own biases, as well as the ways in which systemic discrimination and prejudice impact the workplace. This can lead to a more equitable workplace and better outcomes for underrepresented groups.
- Increased diversity: DEI training can help organizations attract and retain a more diverse workforce by demonstrating a commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive work environment.
- Improved decision-making: By having a more diverse and inclusive workplace, organizations benefit from the collective knowledge, experiences and perspectives of a broader range of individuals. This leads to better decision making and problem solving.
- Compliance: Mandating DEI training can also help organizations meet legal requirements and demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion to stakeholders and the public.
