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students walking out of building

Working Definitions

Equity

Intentionally tailoring resources that fit the individual with respect to their multi-dimensional perspectives and needs.

Inclusion

Broadening the circle, inviting and welcoming others into interaction by recognizing, valuing and celebrating contributions that provide depth, better outcomes, and lead to transformational change.

Diversity

Diversity is a reality of the human experience; it’s how we present in the world. We each experience life from multiple dimensions and perspectives. Put simply, diversity may be seen as the variety of human differences and how they intersect with your life experiences.

Dimensions include the protected categories or statuses:

  • race 
  • color 
  • national origin 
  • ethnicity
  • age
  • perceived or actual physical or mental disability
  • pregnancy
  • genetic information
  • sex
  • sexual orientation
  • gender identity
  • marital status
  • creed
  • religion 
  • honorably discharged veteran or military status
  • use of trained guide dog or service animal

Perspectives include but are not limited to:

  • education
  • occupations
  • international
  • socio-economic status
  • positional power
  • region of origin
  • generational traditions
  • political affiliations
  • language

Culturally Responsive Engagement

Developing and using effective communication skills to interact respectfully with others.

How EDI Is Different From Affirmative Action

Affirmative action is an important requirement that applies to employment across higher education. At Pierce we choose to exceed basic requirements. Our EDI work includes, but is much broader than, employment. It applies to all aspects of the college. We move forward intentionally with an equity mindset to achieve transformational change.