A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
A
Ableism: A form of discrimination or social prejudice against people with disabilities (mental, physical, or otherwise).
Ageism: Stereotyping and discriminating against individuals or groups because of their age.
Anti-Racism: The active process of identifying and eliminating racism by changing systems, organizational structures, policies and practices and attitudes, so that power is redistributed and shared equitably.
B
Bias: An inclination or preference either for or against an individual or group that interferes with impartial judgment.
Bias-Related Incident: Conduct, speech, or expression motivated, in whole or in part, by bias or prejudice. It differs from a hate crime in that no criminal activity is involved.
Bigotry: The characterization and actions of someone who, as a result of their prejudices, treats other people with hatred, contempt, or intolerance on the basis of a person's identity.
Black Lives Matter: A political movement to address systemic and state violence against African Americans. Per the Black Lives Matter organizers: “In 2013, three radical Black organizers—Alicia Garza, Patrisse Cullors, and Opal Tometi—created a Black-centered political will and movement building project. It was in response to the acquittal of Trayvon Martin’s murderer, George Zimmerman. The project is now a member-led global network of more than 40 chapters. Members organize and build local power to intervene in violence inflicted on Black communities by the state and vigilantes. It is an ideological and political intervention in a world where Black lives are systematically and intentionally targeted for demise. It is an affirmation of Black folks’ humanity, our contributions to this society, and our resilience in the face of deadly oppression.”
C
Classism: Prejudice or discrimination on the basis of social class. It includes individual attitudes and behaviors, systems of policies and practices that are set up to benefit the upper classes at the expense of the lower classes and is often related to socio-economic status.
Colonialism: The establishment, exploitation, maintenance, acquisition, and expansion of people in one territory by people from another territory. It includes a set of unequal relationships between the colonizing power and the colony and between the colonists and the indigenous people.
Cultural Appropriation: The adoption of some specific elements of one culture by a different cultural group. In this context it often implies a negative or careless view towards the minority group. It can include the introduction of forms of dress or personal adornment, music and art, religion, language, or social behavior. These elements, once removed from their indigenous cultural contexts, can take on meanings that are significantly divergent from, or less nuanced than, those they originally held.
D
Discrimination: The prejudicial/distinguishing treatment of an individual based on their actual or perceived membership in a certain group or category, in a negative way or restricting members of one group from opportunities or privileges that are available to another group, leading to the exclusion of the individual or entities based on illogical or irrational decision making.
Diversity: The wide range of differences that exist among and across people related to their identity, experiences, thoughts, and perspectives. It is a common understanding that this range of differences is an essential component of rich workplace and academic experiences.
E
Equity: This multi-faceted concept involves working toward a state of social justice in which each member of a community can achieve their fullest potential, without social barriers or created systems of oppression. It is recognized that development of this outcome means a constant commitment to working toward this goal through incorporating ever changing social factors.
H
Harassment: Acts that unreasonably interfere with an individual’s work or academic performance, or create an intimidating, hostile, humiliating or offensive working, living or learning environment, based on their protected categories. This includes verbal, written, visual or physical harassment.
Harm Transformation: Systems change(s) that involve the understanding of the perspective of the harmed parties but does not always involve the person(s) harming and/ or the person(s) harmed.
Heteronormativity: The body of norms that hold that people fall into distinct, binary, and complementary genders (men and women) with distinct roles in life. It presumes that heterosexuality is the only sexual orientation or only norm. Consequently, this view is one that involves alignment of biological sex, sexuality, gender identity, and gender roles.
Homophobia: Encompasses a range of negative attitudes and feelings toward people who are identified or perceived as being lesbian, gay, bisexual (LGB) or other non-heterosexual identities.
I
Inclusion: Supporting and encouraging proactive behaviors that create a community in which each member is welcomed and supported. A caring environment wherein diversity is valued and appreciation for diversity is integrated into every aspect. Effectively engaging this means navigating, incorporating, and caring for differences among and between community members. In doing so, this practice fosters a more dynamic, resilient, and creative community with the ability to thrive in increasingly complex contexts. This work involves promoting equity through intentional and deep engagement of our differences.
M
Microaggressions: Brief and commonplace/daily verbal, behavioral, or environmental indignities, whether intentional or unintentional, that communicate hostile, derogatory, or negative slights and insults toward people related to their identity.
P
Power: The ability or capacity to act or do something effectively.
Prejudice: Making a decision before becoming aware of the relevant facts. In this context, most often used to refer to preconceived, usually unfavorable, judgments toward people or a person because of identity or other personal characteristics.
Privilege: The concrete benefits of access to resources and social rewards, and the power to shape the norms and values of society which people of a dominant group receive, unconsciously or consciously, by virtue of belonging to that group.
Protected Categories: With respect to discrimination, harassment, and bias: age, (dis)ability, ethnic origin, faith tradition, gender expression, gender identity, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, race, and veteran’s status.
R
Racism: Usually defined as views, practices, actions, policies, and laws reflecting the belief that humanity is divided into distinct biological groups called races and that members of a certain race share certain attributes which make that group, as a whole, less desirable or inferior.
Restorative Practices: Processes that involve harmed and harming parties aimed at repairing, healing, and creating healthier relationships, communities, and systems.
S
Scapegoating: Singling out an individual, group, or country for unmerited negative treatment or blame.
Sexism: Prejudice or discrimination based on a person's sex or gender. These attitudes may stem from traditional stereotypes of gender roles and may include the belief that a person of one sex/gender is intrinsically superior to a person of the other.
Social Identity: The portion of an individual's self-concept derived from perceived membership in a relevant social group.
Stereotype: A thought that may be adopted about specific types of individuals or certain ways of doing things, but that belief may or may not accurately reflect reality.
Street Harassment: Unwanted comments, gestures, and actions forced on a stranger in a public place without their consent and is directed at them because of their actual or perceived sex, gender, gender expression, or sexual orientation.
T
Transphobia: The belief that transgender people are inherently inferior to cisgender people. It may or may not be conscious or deliberate on the part of the person expressing or feeling it.