What do you think about when you hear the word equity?

Equity has become a charged buzzword in recent years, and there are polarizing debates about what it means and how it plays out in practice.

You may have heard that equity is the same as equality, and every person should be provided the exact same tools in life. But, if you’ve ever tried to apply this concept in your life, you probably found out quite quickly that equality just doesn’t work in all situations. Equality, when applied to human beings, implies that everyone is the same, and that they have the exact same needs and wants. As a result, no consideration is given to the uniqueness of individuals and this can have unintended and detrimental results.

For example, consider a doctor who gives every patient the same prescription, regardless of their condition. They would not consider that there could be patients who did not need the prescription, might need a lower dose, or may need a different treatment entirely.

Equity is not equality.

LCC defines equity as equipping you with all that you need to participate, grow, succeed and thrive. But what does that look like in action?

Here, at LCC, you’ll see the evidence of equity in action in Student Affairs, academic discussions and policies, student accommodations, student recruitment and retention, and hiring practices, etc. because we want to make things better for you.

The Martin Luther King Jr. Equity Center in the Office of Empowerment works collaboratively with LCC leaders, departments and campus groups to ensure that equity is considered and implemented in all we do. In addition, we examine the steps needed for individuals to ensure equity for themselves, to promote equity for others or to build policies and procedures that ensure equity for all.

How can you help?

If you see areas we can improve based on your experience or the experience(s) of others in regard to equity, please let us know. 

Here are some practical tips to champion equity for all and to help others thrive:

• Invite others to participate. Ensure everyone’s voice is heard by listening actively in meetings and encouraging quieter team members to share their thoughts.
• Report barriers to your success; the solution(s) may help others.
• Give space to others to take ownership and do their jobs, even if you believe you know a better way or have a better process. This doesn’t mean that you should not help when needed, it just means you should empower others to succeed.
• Advocate for fair and transparent hiring, promotion, and pay practices.
• Challenge discriminatory remarks or microaggressions when you see them, even if they seem minor.
• Use inclusive language and respect everyone’s pronouns and identities.
• Sponsor and support the professional growth of systemically marginalized/underrepresented team members.
• Seek feedback regularly on your behavior and practices to improve inclusivity.
• Engage in ongoing DEI training and encourage your team to participate as well.

At LCC we recognize that not every student, employee or faculty member requires the same things to participate, grow, succeed and thrive; we value you and want to see you succeed. Equity is at the heart of all we do.