What is Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion?
Definitions built upon those found in Ashford Hughes’ 2019 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion’s Roadmap.
Diversity
Difference.
Refers to all aspects of human difference, including but not limited to race, sex, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic status and class, age, education, language, (dis)ability, ethnicity, nationality, heritage, perspectives, and cultural, political, religious, and other affiliations.
Equity
Both a process and a product.
Refers to fair practices and policies that ensure everyone has access to the same opportunities. Equity and equality have different meanings. Equality means treating everyone as if their experiences are exactly the same. Equity means acknowledging and addressing past and present structural inequalities that advantage some and disadvantage others.
Inclusion
The intentional act to include differences.
Creating environments in which any individual or group is welcomed, respected, supported, valued, and given the opportunity to fully participate.
Additional Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Terminology
Why is Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion important?
Diversity
You have a diverse workforce when you have a representative number of employees from various backgrounds. However, achieving diversity doesn’t always mean that everyone within it feels welcomed, respected, supported, or valued.
Equity
The policies, institutions, and structures that perpetuate disparities limit many communities from reaching their full potential. Recognizing differences ensures that those differences will not predict one’s success, improving outcomes for all.
Inclusion
Differences should be celebrated, not separated. To bring their unique ideas, experiences, and practices to life, people need to be empowered. To be truly effective, inclusion must be ingrained and integrated throughout the entire workforce.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion’s Relevance to the City of Nashville
The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is an important new chapter in Nashville's equity and inclusion efforts. By striving for transparency, we solicit additional opportunities for conversation and collaboration, reveal areas requiring additional attention, and produce greater accountability. According to the 2016 Nashville Annual Report, Nashville is set to be a majority minority city by 2040. The report estimates that the population will have a demographic makeup of 32% White, 27% Black, 7% other, and 34% Hispanic (all races). Nashville is a uniquely diverse city, and to feel the positive impact of this diversity, the City must continuously reassess and adjust its equity and inclusion efforts. Creating an environment where communities have equitable and sustainable access to opportunities and feel a strong sense of inclusion and belonging will encourage Nashville’s prosperity to soar. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion work is neither exhaustive nor complete; it must be an ongoing and intentional part of our work, both now and in the foreseeable future.