Terms & Definitions
An ally is someone who supports equal justice in theory — often with thoughts and prayers, and sometimes with words in small group settings.
Bias is a tendency to believe that some people, ideas, etc., are better than others that usually results in treating some people unfairly
Bias is a strong interest in something or ability to do something
Blindspot bias refers to the tendency to see oneself as less biased than other people, or to be able to identify more cognitive biases in others than oneself
Co-conspirators work alongside the communities they support. They have, seek, and create meaningful relationships with the people they actively support
They are conscious of their privilege and they use it as fuel to help erode barriers that are tougher for affected constituencies to surmount.
Diversity is the condition of having or being composed of different elements; variety, especially the inclusion of different types of people (as people of different races or cultures) in a group or organization
An instance of being composed of differing elements or qualities; an instance of being diverse
-Learning for Justice
(taken from Webster’s Dictionary)
Refers to fairness and justice and is distinguished from equality: Whereas equality means providing the same to all, equity means recognizing that we do not all start from the same place and must acknowledge and make adjustments to imbalances.
The process is ongoing, requiring us to identify and overcome intentional and unintentional barriers arising from bias or systemic structures.
-National Association of Colleges and Employers
Implicit bias is a form of bias that occurs automatically and unintentionally, that nevertheless affects judgments, decisions, and behaviors. Research has shown implicit bias can pose a barrier to recruiting and retaining a diverse scientific workforce.
The act or practice of including and accommodating people who have historically been excluded (because of their race, gender, sexuality, or ability)
-Merriam-Webster
Intersectionality is the acknowledgement that everyone has their own unique experiences of discrimination and oppression and we must consider everything and anything that can marginalise people – gender, race, class, sexual orientation, physical ability, etc.