University Terms and Definitions Key
语言是强大的. Many of the terms we use today are situated within an evolving historical narrative that continues to impact how 每一个 of us navigates the world. The goal of providing background and definitions for the terms listed below is to help us improve dialogue about a variety of social topics. When we better appreciate the power of our words and the weight they carry, we can reduce several misunderstandings by strategically thinking through the way we describe our thoughts and experiences. 更重要的是, a common linguistic framework helps us to listen and better understand 每一个 other as we eng年龄 in these exchanges.
As a university striving to be a place where all belong, we must recognize that the historical unequal distribution of power and resources impacts current experiences and future possibilities of individuals eng年龄d in higher education in the United States. In order for belonging to take place, 每一个 person and their experiences must be centered.
As a public university for the public good, it is our responsibility to ensure that 每一个 学生, 教师, 工作人员, and community member has the ability to participate without barriers and to feel affirmed. At BGSU this means understanding the power of our words and the langu年龄 we choose to use.
多样性 is the recognition of intersecting identities and social hierarchies, particularly related to race, 种族, 性别, 性取向, 年龄, 残疾, 宗教, and socio-economic status. (Modified from BGSU 包容 Network, 2012, as cited in Student Affairs 多样性 Committee, 2014).
归属感 is an ongoing process of finding and creating connections. It is about the extent to which 学生s, 教师, 员工会感到被重视, 受人尊敬的, 包括, 和授权. 当人们归属时, they experience being affirmed by the campus community, 包括人民, 物理空间, and organizational structures within that community (adapted from Strayhorn, 2018, p. 4).
股本 is the practice of ensuring that personal or social circumstances, such as protected class or intersecting identities, are not obstacles to achieving one’s potential. 股本 is reflected in policies and processes which acknowledge that we live in a world where not all members are afforded the same resources, 治疗, 和机会, and works to remedy this fact (modified from 股本 and Quality in 教育, 2012).
包容 is an active process that eng年龄s the community to cultivate an environment that sustains and affirms all members, particularly those from historically marginalized or minoritized groups. It is a commitment to distribute privilege and influence across differences and a willingness to act on this commitment (BGSU Focus on the Future Task Force on 多样性 and 包容 and 多样性 战略计划 Committee, 2019).
Updated: 04/09/2024 10:18AM