Equity not Equality

Equality is treating everyone the same regardless of need and in an ideal world that would be enough but we do not live in an ideal world. The starting line has been moved forward for white people due to systemic discrimination which has provided an unfair advantage as well as creating inequality and extra barriers for ethnic minorities to navigate.

Equity, on the other hand, is levelling the playing field. Equity takes into account systemic forms of racism and oppression factors like inequality around pay, education, housing. It recognises the fact that equal measure will not be enough to close the gap instead equality is about providing everyone what they need to be successful.

Equality does not see colour and Equity does.

“The route to achieving equity will not be accomplished by treating everyone equally. It will be achieved by treating everyone justly according to their circumstances” — Paula Dressel