Part 1 – Did you know ?

Part 1

The United Nations Charter identifies equality as one of the principles for human rights. Many have viewed equal access for students to basic needs and quality educational resources as a solution to achievement disparities. However, systemic racism and poverty have produced circumstances that require educators to operate from a place of equity, rather than equality. Merriam Webster defines equality as sameness or equivalence in number, quantity, or measure; however, equity implies a concern for what is also fair. A concern for fairness stems from recognition of the impact of systems on the lived experiences of individual students and their diversity of personal needs.

Pause and Reflect:

Compare and contrast equity and equality. Is there a need to provide different resources to students and communities experiencing the effects of systemic issues such as racism and poverty? Why or why not? Use the textbox on the left.