What are Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion?

The American Library Association (2017) defines DEI as:

• Diversity is "the sum of the ways that people are both alike and different. When we recognize, value, and embrace diversity, we are recognizing, valuing, and embracing the uniqueness of each individual."
• Equity "takes difference into account to ensure a fair process and, ultimately, a fair outcome. Equity recognizes that some groups were (and are) disadvantaged in accessing educational and employment opportunities and are, therefore, underrepresented or marginalized in many organizations and institutions. Equity, therefore, means increasing diversity by ameliorating conditions of disadvantaged groups."
• Inclusion "means an environment in which all individuals are treated fairly and respectfully; are valued for their distinctive skills, experiences, and perspectives; have equal access to resources and opportunities; and can contribute fully to the organization’s success."

Each of these terms and principles takes into account accessibility. The definition for accessibility contemplates “when a person with a disability is allowed to acquire the same information, engage in the same interactions, and enjoy the same services as a person without a disability in an equally integrated and equally effective manner, with substantially equivalent ease of use” (OCR, 2013). Accessibility also takes into consideration access for people that are socio-economically disadvantaged, as well as historically underrepresented and marginalized groups.

Why talk about anti-oppression when discussing DEI?

Anti-oppression is the principle that seeks to liberate groups from prejudice, inequality, and dominance. Anti-oppression praxis seeks to challenge systems that perpetuate systemic prejudice. Anti-oppression praxis is not the same as DEI. However, DEI principles go hand-in-hand with anti-oppression strategies, actions, and practices. Some of the actions and practices that are done through anti-oppression strategies are the acknowledgment of power structures and privilege that highlights dominant narratives, critical evaluation of language, and the recognition of intersectional factors that shape people's lives.

Some of the topics and concepts that can be found throughout this guide are:

• Accessibility
• Anti-Ableism
• Anti-Fatmisia
• Anti-Oppression
• Anti-Queermisia
• Anti-Xenomisia
• Gender
• Intersectionality
• Privilege
• Race and Anti-Racism
• Social Justice

What does the suffix -misia mean, and why use it?

The suffix -misia comes from the Greek word misos, which means "abhorrence of, hatred, disgust for, or the revulsion of." Using the suffix -phobia, from the Greek word meaning "fear of," implies that the oppression of minoritized communities is the result of fear and not hatred. The literature and resources being shared in this guide address prejudice and discriminatory practices that emanate from hatred and revulsion of specific groups. Therefore, we believe that -misia is a better-suited suffix.

Information from within this guide was adapted from the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Social Justice Research Guide at Northern Essex Community College. 

Northern Essex Community College Library. (2022, June 29). Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Social Justice. https://necc.mass.libguides.com/NECC-DEI/home