Why DEI?

Research shows that education organizations centered around diversity, equity and inclusion are stronger:

• They produce better outcomes for students: Greater levels of teacher and leader diversity within a school results in higher expectations, lower discipline referral rates, and improved academic results for all students.
• They are more innovative: Organizations with diverse leadership are 72 percent more likely to challenge the status quo and 50 percent more likely to take risks. Also, if education leaders share the backgrounds of the students and families they serve, the solutions they create are more likely to be relevant to student needs. Along the same lines, a McKinsey report found that diverse organizations outperform homogeneous ones.
• They are able to attract and retain top talent: Education organizations with strong performance on both diversity and inclusion have staff members who report higher satisfaction and intent to stay. In addition, staff members are three times more likely to recommend organizations that are diverse, equitable and inclusive to a friend.

Resources

For more research, articles, toolkits, and data on diversity, equity and inclusion, visit here.

Definitions

DIVERSITY: Having different types of people from a wide range of identities with different perspectives, experiences, etc. (Source: Merriam-Webster)

INCLUSION: Putting diversity into action by creating an environment of involvement, respect, and connection – where the richness of ideas, backgrounds, and perspectives are harnessed to create value. (Source: Diversity Journal)

EQUITY: Removing the predictability of success or failure that currently correlates with any social or cultural factor (such as race), examining biases, and creating inclusive environments. (Adopted from: National Equity Project)

EDUCATION EQUITY: Education equity is the moral and civil rights obligation to ensure that students are provided the tools they need to succeed, regardless of background, race, color, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, religion, nation of origin, native language, socioeconomic status or any other discriminating factor.  This hinges on access to a school environment equipped for safe and stimulating learning opportunities, resources for social and emotional growth, and excellent educators who are able to support students in getting and remaining on track to graduate from high school ready for college or careers. (Adapted from: The Department of Education)