Equity and Inclusion

Definitions

Cascadia College values the rich diversity of our students, staff, and faculty and strives to meaningfully include all of the campus community in collectively building a college rooted in diversity, equity, and social justice.

These definitions provide a broad overview of E&I terms that most will come across. They are not the only definitions that can be found; rather they are ones that align with Cascadia's approach to this work. They allow our campus community to form a common language around E&I. Further exploration of and dialogue about these definitions is encouraged to expand understanding and to bring in other wisdom, ideas, and perspectives.

Diversity

Individual differences (personality, ideas, communication style, learning style, way of dress, life experiences, etc.) and group/social differences (race/ethnicity, culture, class, gender, sexual orientation, country of origin, ability, religion, political affiliation, other affiliations). Refers not only to dimensions of individual and group/social difference, but also the intentional efforts and conscious practices to appreciate difference, prevent discrimination, and ensure representation at all levels organizational leadership and decision-making.

Equity

Access to the resources, networks, education, opportunities, conditions, and support each individual needs to survive/succeed based on their goals. Supporting each person in reaching their full potential while also recognizing each person needs something different to do so. Recognizing and seeking to dismantle systems of oppression that keep people or groups from being included, achieving outcomes, and reaching their full potential.

Inclusion

The action or state of being included within a group or structure with authentic and empowered participation and a true sense of belonging. Inclusion is active, intentional, and ongoing engagement with diversity in curriculum, policies, procedures, project development, teamwork, etc. Inclusion notices individual and groups not represented within a system, process, etc. and seeks to increase representation and connect people in ways that increase awareness, knowledge, and understanding.

Cultural Competence

A process of learning about, interacting with, appreciating, understanding, and knowing how to support people from other cultures, thereby broadening the ability to participate in a multicultural community effectively and respectfully. Cultural competence is essential in doing less harm to marginalized groups, to support those around us, and to make progress on diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Culturally Appropriate

Interacting with, engaging, and affirming individuals and communities in an inclusive, kind, respectful, and sensitive manner. Breaking down barriers and intentionally seeking to relate better with people and build supportive and mutually beneficial relationships and connections. Being culturally appropriate comes with increased cultural competence and exposure to diverse individuals and communities.

Historically Marginalized Communities

To be marginalized is the process of becoming or being made marginal within a larger group setting, with the effect of making a group or class of people less important or relegated to a secondary position. Marginalization is an experience of groups who are excluded from or denied political, economic, and social inclusion or equity in society, and hence, relegated to its margins. It can also refer to an individual who is rendered voiceless or irrelevant. Historically marginalized communities are those communities that have repeatedly and consistently experienced marginalization throughout history.

Communities of Color

The acronym BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) is used at Cascadia College rather than communities of color or POC (people of color). This is because not all communities and people of color in the United States face the same levels of injustice. BIPOC is used to highlight that Indigenous and Black or African American people have unique relationships to whiteness compared to other people of color in the United States. They face the worst consequences of systemic white supremacy and settler colonialism, and their challenges and opportunities deserve recognition.

Low-Income Communities

This is a formal term with definitions and those who meet the definition determined by the U.S. Census and other Federal government agencies. Cascadia College aims to contextualize low-income communities by viewing systems through the lenses of power, privilege, and oppression because low-income communities do not exist without those forces at play. With an understanding of power, privilege, and oppression communities can work collaboratively to dismantle oppression, redistribute power, and use privilege for social change.

Community Organization

An organization with a mission and vision of making desired improvements to a community through the ideas, goals, and solutions of those the organization is aiming to positively impact.

 Conversation Agreements

Show up for each other with shared intent – Engage with sincerity, humility, and curiosity; listen deeply and seek to lift each other up on the journey

Use I statements – Speak only for yourself and not on the behalf of a collective

Hold space for growth – Each person represents a different life experience and point of entry; questions are welcome and received with support and encouragement

WAIT (Why Am I Talking) – If you are used to having your voice heard, listen instead of talking

WANT (Why Am I Not Talking) – If you are not used to having your voice heard, give it a try

Maintain cooperative space vs competitive space – Seek to be humble and to understand rather than trying to prove yourself

Remember, we are on the same team, the team striving toward equity – Please work with us toward our shared vision; we are here to further your cause

Expect and accept non-closure – This work will never be done fast enough or perfect enough; there will be loose ends that get tidied later

Maintain confidentiality by not sharing, talking about, or otherwise relaying people’s information or stories with others

Honor shared governance – Ideas and requests made during the Town Hall will go through the usual processes of shared governance, this is to ensure that the ideas and requests align with Cascadia values and meet the needs of the community