Why Are Diversity, Equity and Social Justice So Important in Education?
There are many versions of the teacher’s oath. The wording changes between countries, between states, even between schools. But within each pledge, there is one underlying promise from teachers to their students:
To give them a vision of a better world and the confidence that it might be achievable.
At its core, this is what diversity, equity and inclusion in education is all about. And what makes it most important.
Defining the Terms
We have all heard the words “diversity, equity and inclusion,” but what do they mean in an academic setting? Let’s break them down.
Equity is distinguished from equality in that fairness is achieved by taking a student's starting point into account. This means providing the specified support and resources necessary for students to achieve success based on individual need.
Diversity must be promoted in order to achieve a positive, harmonious academic setting. This refers to all students, regardless of race, sexual orientation, socioeconomic class or physical ability.
Inclusion is the celebration and appreciation of all experiences and perspectives, with the expected result of an environment that feels inviting and open for all.
Now let’s take a look at what the promotion of these ideals can do for your students.
Inspiring Confidence
A study published in Research in Higher Education found that “students with more experiences with diversity, particularly enrollment in diversity courses and positive interactions with diverse peers, are more likely to score higher on academic self-confidence, social agency, and critical thinking disposition.”
Creating a classroom culture that is welcoming to all is undoubtedly a top priority, regardless of age range. And an important part of cultivating that feeling lies in building a foundation where students feel respected by both their teachers and their peers. Open discourse on topics like social justice can be nerve-racking at first, but it allows students to become confident in the fact that when they speak up they will not only be listened to but heard.
Nervous about starting the conversation? Check out a few essential books and films on diversity, equity and social justice that might make it easier.
Igniting Creativity and Entrepreneurship
Open discussions on topics of inclusion and equity are not only helpful for a student’s mental and emotional well-being, but for their academic and professional futures. The Journal of Applied Psychology published a study on whether intercultural relationships sparked creativity, workplace innovation and entrepreneurship: they found an undeniable link. The benefits of these conversations extended “beyond scientific breakthroughs to artistic and entrepreneurial accomplishment.” They also found that cultural learning “can enhance individuals’ cognitive flexibility and complexity.”
So why is there such a strong connection between diverse environments and enhanced creativity? The answer lies in the expansion of perspective. Diversity allows students to think outside of their personal norm, and to see the world through a variety of lenses instead of only one. When students have honest conversations with peers of different backgrounds, they deepen their understanding of the world and themselves.
Starting the Conversation
The importance of these discussions is clear, but you may still be wondering how you can promote diversity, equity and inclusion in your classroom. Here are a few helpful ways to create a better world through your teaching.
Promoting Diverse Perspectives
Promoting diversity and inclusion means ensuring that your students are not being shown the world through a single lens. Providing material from different perspectives is one great way to promote social justice, as well as an easy way to get the conversation flowing. Seek out books written by people of different nationalities and races, or study a historical event through the eyes of another country. Regardless of subject, you can find a way to broaden the approach through diverse material.
Getting Personal
Get to know your students on a deeper level. Even simple classroom activities like ice breakers can help you gain a deeper understanding of each student's background and interests. Understanding these small personal details can help you engage more fully with students, and in turn allow them to feel more valued.
Being Responsive and Respectful
Make it clear to your students that you are there to listen and to learn. Teachers are only human, and you may make a mistake from time to time. But be sure to start each day with the intention of being sensitive to all students’ experiences and backgrounds. And if you slip up, allow yourself to be corrected. Teachers are always learning, in more ways than one.
Educating Yourself
The only way to lay a foundation of honest discourse is to have an understanding of the topics yourself. Do the research necessary to be able to speak on sensitive topics with a steady mind. It can be as easy as reading a few books on diversity in education, or seeking out helpful podcasts. You can also check out our online Master of Arts in Education with a Concentration in Diversity, Equity and Social Justice in Education. You’ll learn about critical race theory, queer pedagogy, disability studies and much more, so that you’re able to implement transformational practices that will benefit both you and your students.