Diversity:
“Individual differences (e.g., personality, prior knowledge, and life experiences) and group/social differences (e.g., race/ethnicity, class, gender, sexual orientation, country of origin, and ability as well as cultural, political, religious, or other affiliations).” The American Association of Colleges and Universities (AACU) definition
Equity:
“The creation of opportunities for historically underrepresented populations to have equal access to and participate in educational programs that are capable of closing the achievement gaps in student success and completion.” The American Association of Colleges and Universities (AACU) definition
Inclusion:
“The active, intentional, and ongoing engagement with diversity…in ways that increase awareness, content knowledge, cognitive sophistication, and empathic understanding of the complex ways individuals interact within systems and institutions.” The American Association of Colleges and Universities (AACU) definition
Belonging:
“A perception or feeling that one is a part of a group. Belonging is a basic emotional need. People have an inherent need to feel like they are part of a group. This helps them to feel socially and emotionally connected to something that is bigger than themselves. When someone has a sense of belonging, they feel that they have a connection with the people in the group that is greater than familiarity or simple acquaintance.”
Understanding Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
• Diversity is a Fact
• Equity is a State
• Inclusion is an Act
• Belonging is the Feeling
As the majority of students at BAU are international and come from different backgrounds and cultures, they are not always familiar with some sensitive issues in US history and culture. That is why, to increase awareness, BAU offers workshops and organizes other events to create an atmosphere of mutual understanding, tolerance, respect, and belonging. Some examples are celebrating special days of different cultures and religions, Black history month, and Hispanic heritage month.
BAU decided to integrate all these activities into a DEIB plan that will be ready to implement in the 2023-2024 academic year. The BAU DEIB task force is currently administering surveys to students, faculty, and staff to finalize the plan.
