Definition of diversity
"Diversity" means more than just acknowledging and/or tolerating difference. Diversity is a
set of conscious practices
Diversity is a reality created by individuals and groups from
a broad spectrum of demographic and philosophical differences.
Diversity includes but is not limited to
age, ethnicity, class, gender, physical abilities/qualities, race, sexual orientation, as well as religious status, gender expression, educational background, geographical location, income, marital status, parental status, and work experiences.
Diversity is about understanding each other and moving beyond
simple tolerance to embracing and celebrating the rich dimensions of diversity contained within each individual
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Building alliances across differences so that we can work together to eradicate all forms of discrimination.
Diversity can be along the dimensions of
race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, age, physical abilities, religious beliefs, political beliefs, or other ideologies
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Practicing mutual respect for qualities and experiences that are different from our own.
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Recognizing that personal, cultural and institutionalized discrimination creates and sustains privileges for some while creating and sustaining disadvantages for others;
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Understanding that diversity includes not only ways of being but also ways of knowing;
Diversity encompasses
acceptance and respect. each individual is unique, and recognizing our individual differences.
It's extremely important to support and protect diversity because
fostering a climate where equity and mutual respect are intrinsic; create a success-oriented, cooperative, and caring community ; draws intellectual strength and produces innovative solutions from the synergy of its people
we acknowledge that categories of difference are
not always fixed but also can be fluid, we respect individual rights to self-identification, and we recognize that no one culture is intrinsically superior to another.
