Running head: DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND JUSTICE 1

Philosophy of Diversity, Equity, and Social Justice:

Importance of Communication
Jennifer K. Withers
Northern Illinois University
DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND JUSTICE 2

Philosophy of Diversity, Equity, and Social Justice:

Importance of Communication

To begin my introduction to the philosophy of diversity, equity, and social justice; I

would like to give a brief description of each of the areas for clarification as to my own personal

perspective. I would like to express my thoughts on the three topics beginning with diversity,

then equity, and lastly social justice. In the closing of my paper, I will analyze all three topics as

a joint overview. The importance of how communication and a willingness to work together has

become a priority to those not only in higher education, but for those teaching young children

that no matter who or where you are from to refrain from judgement and to work together to

enhance life in general. To be open minded and to take in knowledge from those around us, with

each individual, will make for a learning experience that will provide good decision making.

Everyone needs to set aside their differences and communicate the issues that are of importance

to them. We each need to open our eyes and be aware of how we can make life better for each

individual we cross in our paths. Some people need to quit focusing on the past and move

forward and keep their attention on the positive aspects as to how we can help each other.

History is a key part that has lingered on with some people that has maintained a negative

balance and has caused oversight in judgement to those of us that did not grow up in a time

period when there was narrow mindedness in beliefs.

Diversity is categorized when differences exist among groups of people of different race,

gender, religion, and social status. Over time an openness to others regardless of their beliefs,

culture, and perspective are creating a greater bond in communities. To have the opportunity to

be in a diverse environment will allow for learning new information and gaining different

perspectives, which leads to better decision making and problem solving. When people come
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together to solve problems in groups, they bring different information, opinions, and ideas

(Phillips, 2014). Rendón (2009) mentioned the inner landscape is related to self: who we are,

what we hold most dear, and our sense of purpose and meaning. For each individual to be able

to share their life experiences with others will help assist with gaining an understanding of the

similarities and differences we can all relate to.

Equity involves trying to understand and give people what they need to be able to enjoy

life and not feel precluded from reaching their goals. This concept is to promote fairness and

justice. Unfortunately, in some cases it seems that this only works if everyone starts from the

same place and is looking to accomplish the same goal. To ensure the same access for others in

the spirit of fairness is to assume that everyone has similar needs and wants, when in reality we

know that is not the case. First-generation students, particularly from racial and ethnic minority

backgrounds, also often describe themselves as unprepared for the isolation and alienation they

felt upon arriving on campus (Engle, 2007). Equity is making sure that there are resources

available to those who want to change direction in a positive manner, and to achieve and

maintain long term goals. Our history and differences can create barriers, but if people are

provided with what they need to break down barriers all will have the same opportunities (Ali,

2018).

Social justice is to provide equality in and out of legal aspects including the court system.

All people deserve access to having the same rights and resources. There are flaws in the

system, but that does not mean society should stop pursuing opportunities to bring attention to

judgements that are unjust. The importance of keeping legislators informed and aware of

unethical issues will allow to continue making a difference to give all individuals the right to be

treated with respect and have fair judgements. At this point in time our problems seem to be so
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much clearer than the solutions. There is a genuine contribution to offer a clear analysis and

moral suggestions on the steps needed to provide social and economic justice (Jost, 2012).

Social justice became a solid foundation for progress towards welfare, which provides resources

to the disadvantaged to provide a result that promotes a source of equality. To provide

opportunities, society must give additional attention to those that are less fortunate whether they

have acquired hard times in life or if they were born into a social position that is not favorable.

Postmodern multiculturalism has dismissed reason, the “rationalistic” mentality, and “objective

consciousness” as Western cultural artifacts (Young, 2013). There is a vision that has been

engrained into college students; it is based on historic unfairness to victims based on race, class,

or gender privilege. Political outlook has not helped this situation because it promotes belief that

the same rules do not apply for those that are not at a higher level in life. This has caused a lack

of trust and anger towards those that have achieved success due to their status. An exploratory

study has indicated that students are developing an awareness of societal inequities (Ling Yeh,

2010). It was also noted that the students also saw the value in becoming more engaged citizens,

and examining their role in society.

Diversity, equity, and social justice is a commitment to all cultures and a respect for all

people. The combination of these three topics is what enhances our world around us. I came

across a theory that was interesting to put diversity, equity, and inclusion into perspective. These

terms are related to dance: diversity is receiving an invitation to a dance, equity is possessing the

resources to attend, and inclusion is being asked to dance (Gillispie, 2018). A goal is for the

community to break down barriers that prevent active participation in creating open

environments so that any individual will be welcomed, not judged, and feel comfortable to share

their values and input. It allows for opportunities to provide a more secure community and to
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create success in a more diverse society. Diversity goals are being more visible as in admissions

to school and hiring procedures. Equity goals may come more into play with tuition, salaries,

and support in learning. Social justice leaders are aware of unfair judgement matters and take

action to create a plan and resolve issues that have been known to create a threat of inequality. A

community needs to take a look at their own beliefs and behaviors and avoid making decisions

that may lead to a lack of unfairness in justice.

The best defense to break down the barriers of diversity and equity along with social

justice is to promote change. We need to engage in conversations that take us out of our comfort

zone. Safe spaces need to be designated so that everyone has the opportunity to make sure that

their voice is heard. It is time for everyone to set aside their differences and work together. This

will enhance knowledge and allow us to be able to develop and solve problems as a team with

open minds. We should not dismiss any concerns that are shared because some feel they are not

accurate. Even though some discussions may cause conflict, all perspectives need to be taken in

consideration to bring about diversity. Having an environment that is established on equality to

focus on the main causes of unjust circumstances within society, is why having access to

information will broaden the discussion on the tough issues that need to be addressed.

Gaining power and control can be very difficult. This type of journey requires trust and

the ability to support the fact that we each have a unique experience. The only way we can make

others aware of our concerns is to share them with others. The goal is to gain participation from

all members of the community to help shape the needs of others and create a level playing field,

and we should assist and be able to provide guidance for those whether they need additional

assistance or not.
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References

Ali, Sidiq. (2018, February). Equity and Equality, Fairness and Bias: Making Connections in

Credentialing. Retrieved 11:31, January 23, 2019, from www.rae-consult.com

Engle, Jennifer. (2007). Postsecondary Access and Success for First-Generation College

Students. Retrieved 14:18, February 13, 2019, from https://webcourses.niu.edu

Gillispie, Jesse. (2018, August). Using a Social Justice Framework to Guide Diversity, Equity,

and Inclusion Work. Retrieved 14:17, January 17, 2019, from www.nais.org

Jost, John T. (2012, March). Social Justice: Is it in our Nature (and our Future)? Retrieved

9:54, January 24, 2019, from www.americanscientist.org

Ling Yeh, Theresa. (2010). Service-Learning and Persistence of Low-Income, First-Generation

College Students: An Exploratory Study. Retrieved 8:21, February 26, 2019,

https://webcourses.niu.edu

Phillips, Katherine. (2014, October). How Diversity Makes Us Smarter. Retrieved 10:18,

January 23, 2019, from www.scientificamerican.com

Rendón, Laura I. (2009). Sentipensante (Sensing/Thinking) Pedagogy. Retrieved 11:08, April

10, 2019, from https://webcourses.niu.edu

Young, William H. (2013, February). Social Justice and Fairness. Retrieved 9:51, January 24,

2019, from www.nas.org