Group of diverse students in hallway.

Diversity

  • What is it?

    • The term diversity encompasses all the ways in which people differ from one another. This includes, but is not limited to, social identities such as racial and ethnic identity, gender, sexuality, nation of origin, age, language, ability, and religious/non-religious identities. This can also include additional dimensions, sometimes referred to as “achieved identities,” such as veteran status, socioeconomic status, and marital status, and differences like personality, learning styles, or life experience(s). The University of Kansas recognizes that individuals have multiple intersecting identities which holistically impact their lives, experiences, and perspectives.
  • Reflection

    • Why does diversity matter to me? How is it related to my roles and responsibilities at KU (e.g., as student, faculty/staff, administrator, alum)?
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Equity

  • What is it?

    • The term equity is used to describe the establishment of fair and unbiased access to resources, programs, and opportunities for both participation and advancement for all people, regardless of identity or group membership. Equity is both a process and an outcome. From a process perspective, equity is achieved by making systemic changes to structural barriers by developing and implementing procedures and processes through a socially conscious and social justice–oriented lens that seeks to address historical imbalances in power, representation, and access. From an outcome’s perspective, equity is achieved through a fair distribution of resources, opportunities, and evidence of support for the most vulnerable communities at the intersections of protected characteristics. Equity efforts may also include programs and services that address trauma, truth, and reconciliation activities.
  • Reflection

    • Why does equity matter to me? How is it related to my role at KU?
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Inclusion

  • What is it?

    • The term inclusion describes the active, intentional, and ongoing creation of an environment that is welcoming to any individual or group, so that they are celebrated, respected, and supported. In an inclusive environment, difference (be it cultural, social, intellectual, generational, neurological, varying mobilities, etc.)  is seen as an opportunity for engagement and connection that can increase self-awareness, knowledge, empathy, and understanding. Inclusion is achieved when individuals of all identities are active contributors to the community. Inclusion requires an awareness of biases that must be addressed and diminished with intent. We also acknowledge the ways in which inequities are embedded in space, laws, curricula, and procedures that must be addressed inclusion practices.
  • Reflection

    • Why does inclusion matter to me? How is it related to my role at KU?
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Belonging

  • What is it?

    • Within the context of higher education, sense of belonging refers to an individual’s (student, staff, or faculty) perceived social support on campus, a feeling of connectedness, and an experience of feeling accepted, respected, and valued both by one’s peers and within the broader campus community.
  • Reflection

    • Why does belonging matter to me? How is it related to my role at KU?
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Using an Intersectional Lens to Address Systemic Oppression

The RISE framework is KU’s approach to addressing systems of inequity which directly affect the success of our KU students, staff, and faculty. It provides a lens for addressing systemic oppression. It aims to level the playing field for those individuals and groups that experience systemic oppression and discrimination related to their race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, ability, veteran status, or religion.

Intersectionality refers to the fact that multiple policies, practices, and other conditions work together to produce discrimination and disadvantage among marginalized groups.  These unfair conditions have adverse effects on academic, social, cultural, and economic outcomes for people from marginalized groups. This cumulative disadvantage is experienced based on their identities, such as race, ethnicity, class, gender, sexuality, sexual orientation, age, disability, nationality, veteran status, and other identities.

Intersectionality aims to change the multiple and interacting conditions that produce disadvantage. It is the prism through which KU will make organizational change to advance equity, inclusion, and belonging. Consistent with a human rights perspective, RISE aims to bring about organizational change to assure equal opportunities for success for all members of the KU community.

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