Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Reed

Having the unfettered ability to take full advantage of available resources.

The act of becoming aware of the impact of internal, interpersonal, structural, institutional, and historical racism; proactively assessing behaviors, policies, and practices for embedded racism; actively opposing, dismantling, restructuring, and rebuilding an equitable system.

The extent to which people know that they are valued, respected, included, and celebrated for their individual and unique contributions.

Refers to the various backgrounds, lived experiences, values, and worldviews that stem from differences in culture and circumstance. This includes race, ethnicity, gender and gender expression, age, religion, language, (dis) ability, sexual preference, socioeconomic status, geographic region, and more. Some of these identities may be marginalized in the broader society.

The active process of identifying and eliminating barriers that prevent full participation and access across differences in culture and circumstance; it requires understanding root cause(s) of disparities and redressing the exclusion of historically underrepresented groups within our society. Equity works to ensure justice, access, opportunity, and advancement for individuals within the policies, practices, procedures, processes, and distribution of resources by institutions or systems.

The intentional act to include difference and create environments where any individual or group is welcomed, respected, supported, valued, and given the opportunity to fully participate. Inclusion fosters a sense of belonging through centering, valuing, and amplifying the voices and perspectives of all individuals and includes eliminating practices and behaviors that marginalize groups of people or individuals.

The outcome of dismantling barriers to resources and opportunities for people who live in marginalized communities. Justice is what happens when all individuals can live a full and dignified life and all communities can thrive.