Equity and Inclusion Statement

Equity, diversity, inclusion and social justice are matters of concern especially in the field of higher education. Institutions of higher education hold people from various walks of life, from different races, ethnicities, religious beliefs, sexuality and cultures. All of these groups hold different opinions regarding matters of pertinence in the institution and their voices need to be heard and noticed. An institution is held together by accepting that everyone in the organization regardless of whether they are workers or students deserves to be treated with the right approach. They should not be treated in an undue manner or discriminated against. Equity in treatment is therefore necessary. Inclusion, on the other hand, allows individuals from the different walks of life to engage in all the activities of the institution. By doing so, an institution shows appreciation of diversity, and everyone is comfortable in the organization as they deeply engraved desire to live in an environment where social justice is upheld is fulfilled. 

I come from a background that is commonly made of people from a single race. It is an environment where racism is not prevalent because of the majority of the country being made of people from the same race. I grew up thinking that all people are the same, not because I was that exposed but barely because I only saw only people from my race. Upon growing, however, I have encountered people from different races, religions and also people who have different approaches to life. I believe that each of them deserves to be respected and their opinions appreciated. As such, I think that upholding diversity is necessary even as a teacher.

My view of diversity is that it is also necessary for education in such an effective manner. As such, no student is superior to the other just because they are better gifted or talented in a single view of life. We must, therefore, appreciate the personal capacities of each student while at the same time avoiding scorning those who are not talented. Equity is, therefore, the motivation that allows the treatment of each of them with respect. Inclusion, on the other hand, means not discriminating any. Through expediting of equity and inclusion, social justice is upheld and diversity respected.

I believe that the very act of respecting diversity is the first path towards the realization of equity. In an environment where people from different cultural backgrounds exist, there tends to arise a feeling of superiority from one side and a sense of inferiority from the other hand. A drastic difference for instance in performance could be witnessed which could consequently cause a great fallout among the different groups. However, respecting diversity ensures that all the races are given the same opportunities, the same room to prosper, and no group has better privileges or is treated better than the other. In a classroom environment, for instance, I believe that it is the responsibility of a teacher to treat all the students with respect regardless of their races, academic ability or even their social class. I believe that such inclusion could make the students feel important altogether and work hard to achieve each of their individual goals. I believe that diversity and inclusion are therefore necessary for the realization of social justice even in the classroom environment.