Diversity Equity Inclusion
Our decisions stem from a code of human dignity and respect informed by a culturally sensitive perspective where we act in the best interest of our students. We expect that by maintaining a safe, healthy and caring learning environment, as our students grow and develop, they can and are encouraged to access every opportunity, support and resource available to become college, career and life ready.
Recognizing that EGUSD is in one of the most ethnically, culturally and racially diverse regions in the nation and in an effort to further align our educational equity work, engage all employees in the social standards of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) and build a more diverse, equitable and inclusive work environment, Elk Grove Unified shares its definitions of DEI to increase the awareness and understanding of DEI principles and standards.
Diversity is the presence of differences that include demographics (e.g., race, gender, ethnicity, nationality, age, language, education, socioeconomic status, marital status, parental status, immigration status, religion, or political affiliation and special needs, etc.) and psychographics (e.g., thoughts/cognitions, values, attitudes, experiences, and personal background). Diversity is fluid and can encompass identities and the intersection of those identities. Valuing diversity means recognizing similarities and differences among people, acknowledging that individual differences are a community and organizational asset and that striving for diverse representation is a critical step toward equity.
Expressing curiosity to learn more about others signals an interest in and value of diversity.
Equity is working toward fair outcomes for people or groups by treating them in ways that address their unique advantages and/or barriers. Equality is establishing a standard for equal access to resources and opportunities, which includes affirming the same rights, materials, and offerings to all. Equity requires the system to recognize, address, and transform inequities in policies, practices, and allocation of resources, particularly as they have historically marginalized and oppressed particular populations (e.g. sexism, ableism, racism, classism, homophobia, xenophobia). Equity elevates equality by recognizing that people, both individuals and groups, start from different places depending on the variety of groups with which they may identify.
Achieving equity is when all outcomes are no longer predicted by identity categories such as race, ethnicity, gender, and socioeconomic status.
Inclusion is an outcome whereby all individuals are recognized, welcomed, accepted, and respected in an organization. In an inclusive environment, individuals believe they have value, they contribute, they feel empowered, they have a sense of belonging and an invitation to participate. More than simply diversity and quantitative representation, inclusion involves authentic and empowered participation, with a true sense of affiliation and full and equal access to opportunities and resources.
Inclusive and welcoming climates are where we embrace differences and offer respect in words and actions for all people.