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DEIB Glossary

A

AAPI

Ableism

Abolition

  • Definition: Abolition involves dismantling systems, practices, or institutions that perpetuate inequality and harm, such as prisons, jails, police, courts, and surveillance. It also focuses on establishing systems rooted in dignity, care, and non-punitive accountability. The vision of abolition encompasses creating alternatives to punishment and imprisonment, fostering a society that upholds justice and equity.
  • Source: Prison Abolition: From Naïve Idealism to Technological Pragmatism

Accessibility

Accomplice(s)

Accountability

ADHD/ADD

  • Definition: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) are neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by symptoms such as difficulty sustaining attention, hyperactivity, and impulsive behavior. While ADHD includes hyperactivity, ADD is primarily characterized by inattentiveness and distractibility without hyperactivity.
  • Source: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder - National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

Advocate

Affinity Groups

African American

  • Definition: Refers to Americans of African descent, encompassing a rich cultural heritage and diverse experiences.
  • Source: Social Studies View Article

Ageism

  • Definition: Ageism refers to prejudiced thoughts and discriminatory actions based on age, which can affect both younger and older individuals. It involves stereotypes, myths, and biases that lead to discrimination and marginalization of people based on their age, whether they are perceived as too old or too young.
  • Source: Ageism and Psychological Well-Being Among Older Adults: A Systematic Review

Ally

AANAPISI (Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution)

  • Definition: AANAPISIs are federally recognized colleges and universities that serve a significant number of Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander students, constituting at least 10% of the student population. These institutions are committed to addressing the unique cultural, educational, and social needs of their students through dedicated programs and services. AANAPISIs focus on promoting cultural awareness, providing academic support, and fostering a sense of community among students.
  • Source: Building Capacity AANAPISI

Androgyny

Anti-Black

  • Definition: Marginalizing Black people and their issues while voiding Blackness of value through overt racism and systemic inequities.
  • Source: Anti-Black

Anti-Racism

Anti-Racist

Anti-Semitism

APIDA

  • Definition: APIDA stands for Asian Pacific Islander Desi American, a term used to represent a diverse group of individuals with heritage from Asia, the Pacific Islands, and the Indian subcontinent. This pan-ethnic classification intentionally includes South Asians (Desi) as part of the broader community to promote inclusivity and recognition of their unique experiences and contributions.
  • Source: AANAPISIs as Sites for Community-Responsive Approaches to Education

Asian-American

Asperger’s Syndrome

  • Definition: Asperger's Syndrome is a condition on the autism spectrum affecting social interaction and nonverbal communication, alongside restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior and interests. Individuals with Asperger's typically have average or above-average intelligence and may not have significant delays in language or cognitive development.
  • Source: The Autism Experience | Autism Society

Asianness

  • Definition: Refers to the cultural, social, and political identity and lived experiences of individuals and communities of Asian descent, encompassing a wide diversity of languages, traditions, and histories across the Asian continent. Asianness includes the shared and varied experiences of diaspora communities, particularly in relation to immigration, adaptation, and the negotiation of identity within multicultural societies. It also involves challenging stereotypes and monolithic perceptions of Asian identity while embracing the rich cultural heritage and contributions of Asian communities globally.
  • Source: Locating Asianness in the Transnational Field

Assigned Sex

Assimilation

Autism

  • Definition: Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech, and nonverbal communication. People with autism often have unique strengths and differences, and the ways in which they experience and express these characteristics can vary widely.
  • Source: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) | Autism Speaks

B

Belonging

Bias

Bigotry

Biracial

Bisexual

BIPOC

Black

Blackness

Brave Space

C

Categorization

  • Definition: The cognitive process of grouping and labeling people, things, etc., based on their similarities. Categorization becomes problematic when the groupings become oversimplified and rigid (e.g., stereotypes).
  • Source: The Development of Social Categorization

Capital

  • Definition: Capital refers to the various forms of resources and assets that individuals and groups possess, which can include economic, social, cultural, and symbolic capital. In educational contexts, Yosso's concept of "community cultural wealth" identifies different types of capital that marginalized communities utilize to survive and thrive.
  • Source: Whose culture has capital? A critical race theory discussion of community cultural wealth

Centering Blackness

Chicano/a/e

Cisgender

Cissexism

Classism

Coalition

Colonization

  • Definition: Colonization refers to the action or process of settling among and establishing control over indigenous people. It involves the invasion, dispossession, and subjugation of native populations, resulting in long-term inequalities. Modern colonization can include cultural assimilation, economic dependency, and legal frameworks maintaining unequal power dynamics.
  • Source: Colonial Structures and Schooling

Color Blind

  • Definition: The belief in treating everyone “equally” by treating everyone the same; based on the presumption that differences are by definition bad or problematic, and therefore best ignored (i.e., “I don’t see race, gender, etc.”).
  • Source: Racial Color Blindness

Colorism

Conscious Bias (Explicit Bias)

Critical Race Theory

  • Definition: Critical race theory in education challenges the dominant discourse on race and racism as they relate to education by examining how educational theory, policy, and practice are used to subordinate certain racial and ethnic groups. There are at least five themes that form the basic perspectives, research methods, and pedagogy of critical race theory in education:
    • The centrality and intersectionality of race and racism
    • The challenge to dominant ideology
    • The commitment to social justice
    • The centrality of experiential knowledge
    • The interdisciplinary perspective
  • Source: Critical Race Theory: What It Is Not

Culture

Cultural Appropriation

  • Definition: The adoption or theft of icons, rituals, aesthetic standards, and behavior from one culture or subculture by another. It is generally applied when the subject culture is a minority culture or somehow subordinate in social, political, economic, or military status to the appropriating culture. This “appropriation” often occurs without any real understanding of why the original culture took part in these activities, often converting culturally significant artifacts, practices, and beliefs into “meaningless” pop-culture or giving them a significance that is completely different or less nuanced than they would originally have had.
  • Source: Between Cultural Appreciation and Cultural Appropriation: Self-Authorizing the Consumption of Cultural Difference

Cultural Competency

  • Definition: Refers to the ability to interact effectively with people of different cultures by understanding, respecting, and appropriately responding to the unique needs, values, and beliefs of diverse populations. It involves continuous learning and adaptation to cultural differences to provide equitable services and foster inclusive environments.
  • Source: Practice-based knowledge perspectives of cultural competence in social work

Cultural Humility

  • Definition: An approach to interpersonal relationships that emphasizes openness, self-awareness, and a lifelong commitment to learning and understanding cultural differences. It contrasts with cultural competence by focusing on humility rather than expertise. It requires an ongoing process of self-reflection and learning, and a respectful attitude towards others' cultural identities.
  • Source: Rethinking Cultural Competence: Shifting to Cultural Humility

Cultural Racism

  • Definition: Cultural racism refers to representations, messages, and stories conveying the idea that behaviors and values associated with white people or “whiteness” are automatically “better” or more “normal” than those associated with other racially defined groups. Cultural racism shows up in advertising, movies, history books, definitions of patriotism, and in policies and laws.
  • Source: The Persistent Power of Cultural Racism

D

D.A.C.A (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals)

  • Definition: An American immigration policy that allows some individuals who were brought to the United States as children, without legal authorization, to receive a renewable two-year period of deferred action from deportation and become eligible for a work permit. This policy aims to provide opportunities for young immigrants who have grown up in the U.S. to contribute to the country without the fear of deportation.
  • Source: The Life-Course Timing of Legalization: Evidence from the DACA Program

Deaf and Hard of Hearing

DEIB

Decolonization

Dialogue

  • Definition: "Communication that creates and recreates multiple understandings” (Wink, 1997). Dialogue is a reciprocal process that encourages multiple viewpoints and can lead to greater understanding, even if it doesn't always result in agreement. It is characterized by respectful and open communication.
  • Source: Critical Pedagogy: Notes from the Real World | Joan Wink

Diaspora

  • Definition: Refers to the movement, whether voluntary or forced, of people from their homelands into new regions. It encompasses the experiences of people who live outside their ancestral territories, maintaining a connection to their heritage and influencing the cultures of their new homes.
  • Source: Shuval article

Disability

  • Definition: Any condition that significantly impacts a person's physical, sensory, cognitive, intellectual, or mental functioning. Disabilities can be present from birth or occur during a person's lifetime, and they can affect how individuals engage in daily activities. It is essential to recognize the diverse experiences and capabilities of people with disabilities.
  • Source: Perspectives on the Meaning of “Disability” | Journal of Ethics

Disability Justice

  • Definition: Disability justice recognizes that ableism is intertwined with other systems of domination, such as white supremacy and capitalism. It emphasizes that all bodies are unique and essential, and that power comes from the complexities of our bodies. This framework calls for addressing intersecting forms of oppression to achieve true equity.
  • Source: Moving Toward Disability Justice | Disability Studies Quarterly

Dyslexia

  • Definition: Dyslexia is a learning disability characterized by challenges with accurate and/or fluent word recognition, spelling, and decoding abilities. Despite these challenges, individuals with dyslexia often exhibit unique strengths, such as exceptional creative thinking, strong problem-solving skills, and innovative approaches. Recognizing and supporting these strengths, along with providing tailored educational strategies, can help foster an inclusive and empowering learning environment for those with dyslexia.
  • Source: Defining and understanding dyslexia: past, present and future

Discrimination

Diversity

  • Definition: Encompasses the range of differences among people, including race, ethnicity, gender, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, education, marital status, language, and physical appearance. It also involves varying ideas, perspectives, and values. Embracing diversity means recognizing and valuing these differences.
  • Source: Diversity through equity and inclusion: The responsibility belongs to all of us

Domestic Partner

Dominant Culture

  • Definition: Refers to the cultural values, beliefs, and practices that are considered the most influential and widely accepted within a society. These norms often shape societal structures and expectations, potentially marginalizing other cultural perspectives.
  • Source: A Brief Note on Dominant Culture and Subculture

DREAMers

E

EEO (Equal Employment Opportunity)

  • Definition: This principle, part of the United States Civil Rights Act of 1964, prohibits discrimination in any aspect of employment based on an individual’s race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. The goal is to ensure fair treatment for all employees and job applicants.
  • Source: Federal laws prohibiting job discrimination: questions and answers

Elder Oppression

  • Definition: Elder oppression involves the systemic subordination and mistreatment of elders based on age. It includes restricted access to resources and opportunities, loss of voice, and limited participation in society. This subordination is supported by institutional structures, policies, and societal attitudes that prioritize the power of middle-aged adults.
  • Source: Elder abuse and oppression: voices of marginalized elders

Environmental Justice

Environmental Racism

Equality

  • Definition: Equality refers to a state in which all people within a specific society or group have the same status and access to certain rights, including civil rights, freedom of speech, property rights, and equal access to social goods and services. It emphasizes treating everyone the same without considering individual differences.
  • Source: Equality and Equity: Expanding Opportunities to Remedy Disadvantage

Equity

  • Definition: Equity takes into consideration that social identifiers such as race, gender, and socioeconomic status affect equality. An equitable environment provides individuals or groups with the resources they need to achieve equal outcomes, which might not be identical to what others receive. Equity is both an ideal and a goal, focusing on fairness and justice in resource distribution.
  • Source: Equality and Equity: Expanding Opportunities to Remedy Disadvantage

ESL/ELLA (English as a Second Language/English Language Learning Acquisition)

  • Definition: ESL and ELLA refer to programs and strategies designed to help individuals who do not speak English as their first language to become proficient in English. These terms are used to describe both the process and the educational programs aimed at assisting English language learners.
  • Source: ESL and ELL Program Effectiveness: Providing Academic Success for Students

Ethnicity

Ethnocentrism

Euro-Centric

F

Familismo/ Familism

  • Definition: A cultural value prevalent among Latinx communities that emphasizes the importance of family connections, loyalty, and solidarity. Familismo prioritizes family over individual needs, and it includes a strong sense of obligation and responsibility towards one's immediate and extended family. This value influences various aspects of life, including social, economic, and educational decisions.
  • Source: sp5602_05.pdf

Feminism

  • Definition: The advocacy for equal rights and opportunities for all genders, focusing on addressing and dismantling systemic inequalities that women face.
  • Source: DelmarFeminism.pdf

First Nation People

  • Definition: Individuals who identify as the original inhabitants of the Western Hemisphere. This term encompasses Native Americans and other Indigenous peoples who have lived on these lands for generations.
  • Source: Aborigine, Indian, indigenous or first nations?

Funds of Knowledge

  • Definition: Funds of knowledge refer to the historically accumulated and culturally developed bodies of knowledge and skills essential for household or individual functioning and well-being. This concept acknowledges that all families, especially those from marginalized communities, possess valuable knowledge that can be harnessed for educational success. By integrating these funds of knowledge into the classroom, educators can create more inclusive and effective learning environments that recognize and build upon the strengths of all students.
  • Source: Moll_Amanti_1992_Funds_of_Knowledge.pdf

G

Gay

Gaslighting

  • Definition: A form of psychological manipulation in which a person or group covertly sows seeds of doubt in an individual, making them question their own memory, perception, or judgment, often leading to feelings of confusion, anxiety, and loss of self-trust.
  • Source: The Sociology of Gaslighting

Gender

  • Definition: Gender refers to the socially constructed characteristics, norms, behaviors, and roles associated with being a woman, man, girl, or boy, as well as relationships between these groups. As a social construct, gender varies across societies and cultures and can change over time. While traditionally represented by a binary model—woman/man or female/male—gender is actually a spectrum that includes a diverse range of identities beyond this binary framework.
  • Source: What is gender, anyway: a review of the options for operationalising gender

Gender Expression

Gender Fluid

Gender Identity

Gender-Inclusive Language

  • Definition: Gender-inclusive language involves using words and phrases that do not discriminate against or exclude any gender. It respects and acknowledges all gender identities and expressions.
  • Source: EJ1313111.pdf

Gender Non-Conforming

  • Definition: A broad term referring to people who do not behave in a way that conforms to the traditional expectations of their gender, or whose gender expression does not fit into a category.
  • Source: Gender nonconforming youth: current perspectives

Gender Queer

  • Definition: Gender queer people typically reject notions of static categories of gender and embrace a fluidity of gender identity and often, though not always, sexual orientation. People who identify as “gender queer” may see themselves as both male or female aligned, neither male or female, or as falling completely outside these categories.
  • Source: Non-binary and genderqueer: An overview of the field

Great Replacement

H

Hate Crime

  • Definition: A hate crime is defined as a criminal act committed against a person or property, motivated in whole or in part by the offender's bias against the actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, ethnicity, gender, disability, or sexual orientation of the victim.
  • Source: Using Research to Improve Hate Crime Reporting and Identification

HBCU

  • Definition: HBCU stands for Historically Black Colleges and Universities, institutions established primarily to serve the African American community post-American Civil War. These institutions now admit students of all races while continuing to focus on educational opportunities for Black students.
  • Source: Learning from HBCUs: How to produce Black professionals in STEMM

Hegemony/Hegemonic

  • Definition: Hegemony refers to the dominance of certain ideologies and power structures that shape societal norms and values. It involves maintaining power through cultural, social, and political means, often obscuring the underlying power dynamics.
  • Source: The Concept of Cultural Hegemony: Problems and Possibilities

Heterosexism

Heterosexual

Heteronormativity

Homophobia

  • Definition: Homophobia is the fear, hatred, or discomfort towards homosexuality and other non-heterosexual identities. It includes a range of behaviors, feelings, and negative attitudes directed at individuals identified or perceived as LGBTQ+, resulting in discrimination, prejudice, and hostility.
  • Source: Homophobia and mental health: a scourge of modern era

I

Implicit Bias

  • Definition: Implicit biases, also called unconscious or hidden biases, are negative associations that individuals unknowingly hold. These biases operate automatically, without conscious awareness, influencing attitudes and actions. Despite individuals' lack of awareness, numerous studies demonstrate that implicit biases have significant real-world consequences on behavior and perceptions.
  • Source: Implicit Bias

Inclusion

Inclusive Language

  • Definition: Inclusive language avoids expressions that exclude groups of people, aiming to be respectful, accurate, and relevant to everyone. It acknowledges diversity, shows respect, affirmation, and promotes equity, such as using "they" as a singular pronoun or "partner" instead of "husband" or "wife" to include all relationship types.
  • Source: Inclusive Language Promotes Equity: The Power of Words

In-Group Bias (Favoritism)

  • Definition: The tendency for groups to favor themselves by rewarding group members economically, socially, psychologically, and emotionally, uplifting one group over another.
  • Source: Preferences and beliefs in ingroup favoritism

Indigeneity

  • Definition: Indigeneity refers to the identity and experiences of the descendants of the original inhabitants of a region. These communities maintain cultural, social, and economic traditions distinct from the dominant society that colonized them.
  • Source: Defining Decolonizing and Indigenizing

Indigenous People

  • Definition: Individuals of specific cultural groups who live within or are attached to distinct traditional territories. They maintain social, economic, and cultural customs and traditions distinct from the dominant society.
  • Source: Indigenous People and Environmental Policy

Indigenous Sovereignty

Institutional Racism

Intercultural Competency

  • Definition: The process of learning about and becoming allies with people from other cultures, thereby broadening understanding and ability to participate in a multicultural process. It requires respect for the ways others live in and organize the world and an openness to learn from them.
  • Source: Intercultural Competencies in Higher Education: A Systematic Review

Inter-Group Conflict

Internalized Homophobia

Internalized Oppression

  • Definition: It occurs when individuals within marginalized groups internalize and accept the negative stereotypes, prejudices, and lies about their own group. This process can lead to low self-esteem, self-doubt, and may manifest outwardly as fear, criticism, and distrust toward members of their own group.
  • Source: Internalized Oppression: The Psychology of Marginalized Groups

Internalized Racism

Intersectionality

Intersex

J

Justice

Justice-Oriented Pedagogy

  • Definition: An educational approach that focuses on teaching students about social justice issues, encouraging critical thinking about inequalities and injustices, and fostering the skills needed to address and challenge these issues.
  • Source: Critical and Social Justice Pedagogies in Practice

L

Land Acknowledgement

  • Definition: A formal statement that recognizes and respects the Indigenous peoples as traditional stewards of the land on which a particular event or activity takes place. This practice involves acknowledging the enduring relationship between Indigenous peoples and their traditional territories, honoring their history and culture, and affirming their ongoing connection to the land.
  • Source: Making Land Acknowledgements in the University Setting Meaningful and Appropriate

Latinidad

  • Definition: Refers to the shared cultural, social, and historical experiences of Latinx people, emphasizing their diverse identities and connections across Latin America and the Caribbean. This term encompasses the varied cultural expressions, languages, traditions, and social practices within the Latinx community.
  • Source: The Study of Latinidad: A Decolonial Approach

Latinx/o/a/e

Lesbian

LGBTQIA2S+

  • Definition: An acronym that encompasses the diverse groups of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual, Two-Spirit, and all other queer identities represented by the “+”. The inclusion of “Two-Spirit” acknowledges Indigenous identities and their unique experiences.
  • Source: Considering Sex as a Biological Variable in Cardiovascular Research

Look-ism

Liberation

Liberatory Consciousness

  • Definition: This concept involves developing an awareness and intentionality about living in oppressive systems without being confined by them. It includes awareness, analysis, acting, and accountability/allyship as key components to challenge and change oppressive structures.
  • Source: Liberatory Consciousness Development

Liberatory Practices

  • Definition: Strategies and actions aimed at dismantling oppressive systems and promoting equity and justice. These practices include creating inclusive environments, fostering critical thinking, and advocating for systemic change to ensure marginalized voices and experiences are recognized and valued.
  • Source: Exploring Liberatory Practices of Dreamkeepers

Language Justice

  • Definition: Language justice involves creating spaces where all people can communicate in their preferred languages and accents, challenging the dominance of Standard American English and addressing the silencing and dehumanization caused by linguistic discrimination.
  • Source: Towards an Index of Linguistic Justice

M

Marginalization

  • Definition: A social process in which individuals or groups are systematically excluded from accessing power and resources, rendering them less visible or valued within society. This exclusion affects their ability to fully participate in social, economic, cultural, and political spheres. Marginalized groups may face exclusion based on factors such as race, ethnicity, religion, gender, age, disability, or economic status.
  • Source: Overcoming Marginalization by Creating a Sense of Belonging

Medical Model

  • Definition: A framework that views disabilities and health conditions primarily as problems within an individual, often focusing on diagnosis, treatment, and cure. This model tends to emphasize pathology and deficit, sometimes overlooking the social and environmental factors that contribute to an individual's experience. In contrast, holistic approaches, such as the social model of disability, emphasize the importance of societal change and accommodation to support individuals' well-being.
  • Source: Changing the Medical Model of Disability to the Normalization Model of Disability

Mental Health

  • Definition: Mental health encompasses emotional, psychological, and social well-being, influencing how individuals think, feel, and act. It affects how people handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Good mental health is more than just the absence of mental illness; it is vital for overall well-being and quality of life. Ensuring access to mental health care and promoting practices that support mental health are crucial for fostering a healthy community.
  • Source: Mental Health Prevention and Promotion—A Narrative Review

Microaggressions

  • Definition: Commonplace daily verbal, behavioral, or environmental indignities, whether intentional or unintentional, that communicate hostile, derogatory racial slights. These interactions can be verbal (e.g., saying "You speak English so well"), nonverbal (e.g., clutching a purse more tightly around people of certain racial or ethnic backgrounds), or environmental (e.g., using Native American mascots). Such behaviors often reflect implicit biases and stereotypes and can contribute to a culture of exclusion and discrimination.
  • Source: Language Matters: Considering Microaggressions in Science

Micro-Insults

  • Definition: Subtle verbal or nonverbal communications that convey rudeness or insensitivity, demeaning a person's racial or cultural heritage. For example, asking a colleague of color how they obtained their position might imply that affirmative action played a role, thus questioning their qualifications.
  • Source: Interpreting Microaggression as a Determinant of Wellbeing

Micro-Invalidation

  • Definition: Involves communications that subtly exclude, negate, or nullify the thoughts, feelings, or experiences of marginalized individuals. An example is if a woman of Color expresses her concerns about racial issues at her university, and a colleague dismisses her feelings by saying, "You're being too sensitive," which invalidates her experiences and emotions.
  • Source: A Faculty Woman of Color and Micro-Invalidations at a White Research University

Minority-Serving Institution (MSI)

  • Definition: Encompasses a diverse range of colleges and universities that serve high percentages of minority students. These institutions, including Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs), Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs), and Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs), receive federal funding to enhance educational opportunities for minority students. MSIs strive to address the unique challenges faced by minority students and to create environments that support their success and well-being.
  • Source: Highlighting the Contributions of Minority Serving Institutions to Neuroscience

Misgendering

Misogyny

  • Definition: Misogyny is an intensified form of sexism that seeks to maintain traditional gender roles and limit the autonomy of marginalized genders. It is a primary motivation for right-wing agendas that aim to uphold gender hierarchies.
  • Source: Misogyny and Organization Studies

Model Minority

  • Definition: The "model minority" myth stereotypes certain ethnic, racial, or religious groups, particularly Asian Americans, as more successful than the general population, which oversimplifies and ignores the diverse experiences and challenges faced by individuals within these groups. For example, the assumption that all Asian students excel in math or come from affluent backgrounds overlooks the economic and educational disparities within the community. This stereotype creates divisions among marginalized groups, perpetuating harmful comparisons and upholding systems of privilege by obscuring the need for support and equity across all communities.
  • Source: The Model Minority Myth

Mono-Racial

Movement Building

  • Definition: Movement building involves organizing and mobilizing individuals and communities to create systemic change and address injustices. It focuses on engaging power structures, advocating for rights, and fostering collective empowerment. Successful movement building includes proposing solutions, humanizing marginalized groups, and promoting justice, equality, and democracy.
  • Source: The Practices of Transformative Movement Building

Multicultural Competency

  • Definition: Multicultural competency is the process of developing an understanding and appreciation of different cultures, which enables individuals to effectively interact and ally with people from diverse backgrounds. It involves respect for diverse worldviews and openness to learning from others.
  • Source: In Defence of Multiculturalism—Theoretical Challenges

Multi-Ethnic

Multiplicity

  • Definition: The quality of possessing multiple, simultaneous social identities, such as race, gender, religion, and class. It highlights the complexity of identity and the intersection of different social factors that shape individual experiences.
  • Source: Multiplicity: A Theoretical Framework

Multi-Racial

N

National Origin

Native American

  • Definition: A term commonly used to describe the Indigenous peoples of the United States. It can also refer to the Indigenous peoples of North and South America. Many prefer to identify themselves by their specific tribal affiliations as "Native American" can be seen as a generalization. The term "American Indian" is sometimes used interchangeably but may be considered offensive by some.
  • Source: Cultural identity central to Native American persistence in science - PMC (nih.gov)

Neoliberalism

Neurodiversity

  • Definition: A concept that acknowledges neurological differences, such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other cognitive variations, are natural and valuable forms of human diversity. This perspective recognizes that neurodivergent individuals have unique strengths and challenges and should be accepted and supported rather than pathologized. Neurodiversity is not just a concept but also a movement and framework that advocates for recognizing and respecting these differences, emphasizing the strengths and contributions of neurodivergent individuals, and challenging the traditional medical model that often views these differences solely as disorders or deficits to be cured.
  • Source: The Neurodiversity Approach(es): What Are They and What Do They Mean for Researchers? - PMC (nih.gov)

Neurodivergent

Neuroinclusivity

  • Definition: The practice of creating environments that support and accommodate individuals with a variety of neurological diversity. It involves implementing inclusive practices in educational, workplace, and social settings that cater to the unique strengths and challenges of neurodiverse individuals. This approach promotes acceptance and reduces stigma, allowing neurodivergent individuals to thrive.
  • Source: Unraveling Neurodiversity: Insights from Neuroscientific Perspectives (mdpi.com)

Non-Binary/ Gender Queer

  • Definition: An umbrella term for gender identities that do not fit within the traditional categories of male or female. Individuals who identify as non-binary may feel like a mix of both genders, neither gender, or may experience their gender in a different way entirely. This term challenges the conventional binary understanding of gender, recognizing a spectrum of gender experiences and expressions.
  • Source: Non-binary and genderqueer: An overview of the field - PMC (nih.gov)

Non-White

O

Oppression

  • Definition: Oppression is defined as the systematic and pervasive nature of social inequality woven throughout social institutions as well as embedded within individual consciousness. This multifaceted concept is characterized by the dominance of one social group over another, maintained and perpetuated through societal norms, values, and institutional structures. The oppressed group experiences both overt and covert disadvantages, leading to reduced opportunities, social stigmatization, and economic and political marginalization.
  • Source: Every Day Matters: Using Daily Methods to Understand Oppression and BIPOC Youth Development in Context - PMC (nih.gov)

Occupational Segregation

  • Definition: The division of jobs into categories with distinct working conditions, status, and pay based on characteristics such as race, gender, or ethnicity. This segregation often limits opportunities for marginalized groups to access higher-paying and prestigious positions.
  • Source: From_bias_to_exclusion_A_multilevel_emer.pdf (cloudfront.net)

Othering

P

Personal Identity

Phonocentric

Post-Racial

Power

Prejudice

Privilege

  • Definition: Privilege refers to unearned social power accorded by the formal and informal institutions of society to all members of a dominant group. This power provides an advantage over those who do not belong to the dominant group. Individuals who benefit from privilege may not always be aware of it due to societal norms and structures that make such advantages seem ordinary.
  • Source: The Concept of Privilege: A Critical Appraisal (marquette.edu)

Pronouns

Q

Queer

  • Definition: Embraces a range of genders and sexualities who may not identify with a specific LGBT+ label. It acknowledges the fluidity of gender and sexuality, including people who are not exclusively straight and/or non-binary people. Previously used as a slur, this term is now used by choice and with pride by parts of the LGBTQ+ community.
  • Source: HRC Glossary of Terms

R

Race

Racial Capitalism

Racial Equity

Racial Gaslighting

Racial Inequity

Racial Profiling

Racial Reconciliation

  • Definition: Involves recognizing systemic and institutional racism and its effects on political engagement and economic opportunities. It focuses on empowering communities through relationship-building, truth-telling, and restorative justice to address historical injustices.
  • Source: The Price of Racial Reconciliation - Ronald Walters - Google Books

Racial Trauma

  • Definition: Stress or trauma resulting from experiences of racial harassment, violence, or institutional racism. It can arise from significant incidents such as hate crimes or the cumulative impact of microaggressions and ongoing discrimination.
  • Source: APA PsycNet FullTextHTML page

Racialization

Racism

  • Definition: On an individual level, racism manifests as biases, prejudices, and discriminatory behaviors based on race or ethnicity. These attitudes can be conscious or unconscious, leading to unfair treatment or the perpetuation of stereotypes. The personal and systemic aspects of racism are interconnected; individual biases contribute to and are reinforced by systemic structures. For instance, personal prejudices can affect hiring decisions, which, when widespread, lead to systemic disparities in employment for marginalized groups.
  • Source: The Four Personae of Racism: Educators' Misunderstanding of Individual Vs. Systemic Racism (researchgate.net)

Racist Nativism

Religion

  • Definition: A system of beliefs, often spiritual, that may be formalized within organized denominations. This includes diverse religious practices and ideologies.
  • Source: 145guthrie.pdf (eccser.org)

Resilience

Reparations

  • Definition: Initiatives aimed at acknowledging and addressing widespread or systematic human rights violations. Reparations may involve compensating victims, providing rehabilitation, and addressing the root causes of abuse to affirm the rights of victims and support their recovery.
  • Source: De Greiff paper.pdf (archive.org)

Restorative Justice

  • Definition: Restorative justice is an approach that focuses on addressing the harm caused by conflicts or transgressions through inclusive processes that engage all involved parties. It emphasizes accountability, making amends, and facilitating dialogue to promote healing and reconciliation. This approach seeks to address the needs of those affected, fostering trust and cooperation within the community rather than focusing solely on punishment.
  • Source: Restorative Justice and Student Development in Higher Education (msudenver.edu)

Rainbow Flag

Saliency

  • Definition: The prominence of a group identity in an individual's life, where it becomes a significant part of their daily interactions and self-awareness.
  • Source: art12.1.13_2.pdf (uiowa.edu)

S

Scapegoating

Servingness

Sex

Sexism

Sexual Orientation

  • Definition: The enduring physical, romantic, and/or emotional attraction toward other people, or lack thereof. It encompasses identities such as heterosexuality, homosexuality, bisexuality, and asexuality, among others. Sexual orientation is a fundamental aspect of human nature, shaped by a complex interplay of biological, genetic, and environmental factors.
  • Source: Full article: The causes of human sexual orientation (tandfonline.com)

Social Identity

Social Justice

Social Oppression

Stereotype

Structural Racialization

  • Definition: Structural racialization refers to the ongoing, dynamic processes that create and perpetuate systemic inequalities based on race. These processes shape interactions between individuals and reflect underlying, often invisible, structures that lead to unequal outcomes. The effects of structural racialization are evident in consistent disparities in areas such as educational attainment, economic status, and life expectancy across different racial groups.
  • Source: PLF-STAR.pdf (projectlinkedfate.org)

Structural Racism

  • Definition: Structural racism refers to the normalization and legitimization of various dynamics—historical, cultural, institutional, and interpersonal—that systematically advantage certain racial groups while causing chronic adverse outcomes for others. It permeates all aspects of society, including history, culture, politics, economics, and the social fabric. Unlike racism in specific institutions, structural racism is sustained through the interconnected effects of multiple institutions and cultural norms, continually reproducing both old and new forms of racism.
  • Source: Definitions of Racism.pdf (intergroupresources.com)

System of Oppression

Systemic Racism

  • Definition: Systemic racism is an interconnected system of racism operating at individual, institutional, and structural levels. These levels function in a lockstep model, collectively forming a comprehensive system of racism:
    • Individual: Within interactions between people.
    • Institutional: Within institutions and systems of power.
    • Structural or Societal: Among institutions and across society.
  • Source: 11 Terms You Should Know to Better Understand Structural Racism - The Aspen Institute

T

Targeted Universalism

Third Space

  • Definition: In higher education, "Third Space" refers to cultural spaces that blend academic and social dimensions, creating environments where diverse perspectives converge. These spaces promote inclusivity, collaboration, and the integration of academic knowledge with real-world experiences. They facilitate the creation of innovative and holistic educational experiences by fostering critical engagement and mutual understanding among students, faculty, and staff from varied backgrounds.
  • Source: Full article: Thinking beyond the third space (tandfonline.com)

Tolerance

  • Definition: Acceptance and open-mindedness toward different practices, attitudes, and cultures, without necessarily agreeing with them. However, tolerance, as a concept, is often seen as insufficient for social justice and multicultural education. While it acknowledges diversity, it does not actively engage in addressing systemic inequalities or fostering genuine inclusivity. Tolerance can imply a passive acceptance that does not challenge the status quo or promote deeper understanding and respect for all individuals.
  • Source: PFLAG National Glossary of Terms, June 2022 (aspeninstitute.org)

Tokenism

  • Definition: Tokenism is the practice of making a superficial or symbolic effort to be inclusive, often by including a small number of underrepresented individuals to appear diverse while maintaining a monocultural environment. This approach gives the illusion of diversity without granting actual power or influence to those included.
  • Source: Understanding Tokenism: Antecedents and Consequences (researchgate.net)

Transgender/Trans

  • Definition: An umbrella term for people whose gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth. This term includes but is not limited to individuals who may identify as transsexual, genderqueer, gender non-conforming, or non-binary.
  • Source: Review of the Transgender Literature (liebertpub.com)

Trans Misogyny

Transformative Justice (TJ)

  • Definition: A political framework and approach for responding to violence and harm without creating more violence, focusing on harm reduction and restorative practices. It avoids reliance on state mechanisms and seeks to address the root causes of violence through community-based responses.
  • Source: Nocella_2011.pdf (antoniocasella.eu)

Transphobia

  • Definition: The fear, hatred, or discomfort towards transgender people, often resulting in discrimination, harassment, and violence. This can exist within both LGBTQIA2S+ and heterosexual communities.
  • Source: Peer Reviewed: Silverchair

Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs)

  • Definition: Institutions of higher education that are chartered by Native American tribes. TCUs are dedicated to serving the educational needs of Native American communities by providing culturally relevant curricula and support services. Beyond enrollment numbers, TCUs focus on preserving and revitalizing Indigenous languages and cultures, promoting tribal sovereignty, and addressing the specific challenges faced by Native American students.
  • Source: Peer Reviewed: University of Michigan

Tribal Sovereignty

  • Definition: The inherent authority of Indigenous tribes to govern themselves within the United States. This sovereignty is recognized in federal law and allows tribes to establish their own government, laws, and justice systems.
  • Source: Peer Reviewed: Harvard

Two Spirit

  • Definition: A term used by some Indigenous North American cultures to describe a person who embodies both masculine and feminine spirits. This term reflects traditional understandings of gender and sexuality that predate colonial influences and are distinct from contemporary LGBTQIA2S+ identities.
  • Source: Peer Reviewed: Taylor & Francis Online

U

Unconscious Bias (Implicit Bias)

  • Definition: Social stereotypes about certain groups of people that individuals form outside their own conscious awareness. Everyone holds unconscious beliefs about various social and identity groups, and these biases stem from one’s tendency to organize social worlds by categorizing.
  • Source: Peer Reviewed: BMC Psychology

Underrepresented

  • Definition: Refers to groups or communities that have insufficient representation or participation in specific areas, such as education, leadership, or employment, relative to their proportion in the broader population. This term underscores the systemic barriers that restrict equitable access and opportunities for these groups.
  • Source: Peer Reviewed: International Journal of STEM Education

Underserved

  • Definition: Describes populations or communities that lack adequate access to essential resources, services, and opportunities, such as healthcare, education, and economic support. These groups often face systemic barriers that hinder their ability to thrive and fully participate in society.
  • Source: Peer Reviewed: Taylor & Francis Online

Undocumented/ Undocumented Students

  • Definition: A student born outside the United States who resides in the country without legal citizenship or residency status. These students may have entered through various means without inspection, involuntarily, or by overstaying visas. They face unique legal uncertainties and barriers in the educational system, such as limited access to financial aid, scholarships, and in-state tuition.
  • Source: Peer Reviewed: UCLA

Universal Design

  • Definition: A framework for designing educational environments that accommodate the widest possible range of abilities and learning styles, ensuring accessibility and inclusivity for all students.
  • Source: Centre for Excellence in Universal Design

V

Veteran/ Veteran Student

  • Definition: An individual who has served in a nation's armed forces (or other uniformed service). Veterans often bring valuable experiences and perspectives but may also face challenges related to reintegration into civilian life, adjusting to academic life, and accessing veteran-specific resources.
  • Source: Student Service Members/Veterans on Campus: Challenges for Reintegration

Visibility

Voice

Vulnerable Populations

  • Definition: Groups or communities at greater risk of experiencing discrimination, marginalization, or harm due to systemic inequalities. These populations often include, but are not limited to, racial and ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, migrants, and low-income individuals. Prioritizing their needs and voices in DEI efforts is essential to ensure equitable outcomes.
  • Source: Gaining Insights Into the Education of Vulnerable Students: Services in Schools and Beyond

W

Wellness

  • Definition: A holistic approach to health that includes physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being. It involves active efforts to improve overall health through balanced lifestyle choices, including nutrition, exercise, stress management, and meaningful relationships. Wellness emphasizes the integration of various aspects of health to achieve optimal functioning and fulfillment in life.
  • Source: Dimensions of Wellness: Change Your Habits, Change Your Life

Whiteness

  • Definition: Whiteness is a social construct that refers to the specific dimensions of racial identity that create and maintain advantages for individuals identified as white. This construct encompasses a range of practices, beliefs, values, and norms that are considered standard and beneficial primarily to white people. Whiteness is not just about individual behaviors but includes broader systemic processes that shape and elevate white identities collectively and individually. It operates continuously at societal, institutional, and individual levels, often marginalizing other racial groups by setting norms that favor white experiences and perspectives.
  • Source: On Whiteness Studies: Hope and Futurity

White Fragility

  • Definition: The discomfort and defensiveness exhibited by some white individuals when confronted with information about racial inequality and injustice. This fragility often manifests in emotions such as anger, fear, and guilt, and behaviors like argumentation, silence, and leaving the stress-inducing situation.
  • Source: White Fragility - UNCG

White Nationalism

White Privilege

  • Definition: White privilege refers to the unearned advantages and benefits bestowed on individuals solely because they are white. It encompasses systemic and structural elements that create and sustain racial advantages and disadvantages, often making these disparities appear normal. This privilege manifests across various levels—individual, interpersonal, cultural, and institutional—affording some white individuals greater access to resources and opportunities while marginalizing people of color.
  • Source: White Privilege - Paula S. Rothenberg

White Supremacy

  • Definition: A historically rooted system of exploitation and oppression of people of color by those of European descent, maintained to uphold a system of wealth, power, and privilege for white people. It extends beyond extremist groups to include institutional and cultural norms that perpetuate racial hierarchies.
  • Source: The Legal Foundations of White Supremacy

Worldview

X

Xenophobia

  • Definition: Xenophobia encompasses any attitude, behavior, practice, or policy that reflects the belief that immigrants are inferior to the dominant group. This phenomenon manifests at interpersonal, institutional, and systemic levels and is closely tied to White supremacy. Xenophobia results in the exclusion and marginalization of immigrant communities.
  • Source: Measuring Structural Xenophobia: US State Immigration Policy Climates Over Ten Years