Diversity:
Diversity is an essential foundational element to personal and professional growth, both individualistically and for entire organizations. Only by taking proactive steps to become inclusive, anti-racists, anti-ableists, going beyond simple awareness to practical application can we create a just and equitable society that can tackle the issues the future and present hold.
Gratefully, we as a nation are finally embracing this topic. In today's polarized politics and inflammatory clickbait news articles the word diversity feels like a loaded topic, or a politically correct HR fulfillment-but the conversation on diversity is so much more than that. To me the term diversity means the inclusion and participation of all people, and an equitable advancement of historically marginalized voices with proactive actions and not just talk. I truly believe and have witnessed that the best projects, the most creative work products and the strongest teams are those that embrace a variety of perspectives and actively challenge every team member to contribute their life experiences and unique ideas to the whole. Organizations need creative problem solving and innovation to grow, a uniform ensemble leads to conformity, and regimented unvarying monotonous outputs. In today’s information and technology driven world no one is a silo, and organizations that resist diversity are doomed to plateau and fall behind. To be truly successful we must embrace a proactive inclusive mindset that actively reaches out to marginalized voices and creates systems for all voices to be heard and incorporated.
At its heart, diversity is about empathy, inclusion, and shared humanity. We cannot change the past, but we can take proactive action to create an equitable present and future. Inclusion is not an act of pity, it is not a single requirement to check off a box on an HR form, it is not just for that marginalized person or group, or to satisfy an HR quotient, it is for the benefit of the whole group and organization. When the group gains the knowledge and experience of these new (previously oppressed) voices, and everyone gains. To include individuals from every race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religions affiliation, socio-economic status and education background is to enrich the work culture and each other. Collaboration, problem solving and innovation all take creativity and originality. The more voices and perspectives, the more varied the experiences of team members and the more we all grow.
All humans have their own set of bias, and the first step we each must take is to examine our own lives, recognize our own implicit beliefs and bias and reexamine how we might be consciously or unconsciously contributing to oppressive systems. Many people do not take this first step. Perhaps, the work it takes to examine oneself is too uncomfortable, or would require change. The second step in attaining diversity and inclusivity is by far more difficult and done even less. Once we become self aware and have identified our own bias, our own implicit habits, we must take intentional action to alter our own behavior and responses and create measurable actionable criteria. This will allow us to start contributing to foundations that support and encourage a truly just and equitable society which leads to greater innovation and creative collaboration in the future. We must make a conscious effort to become allies with anti-oppression foundations rooted in empathy and shared humanity.
Equity:
Equity is not simply an aspiration, it is a fundamental necessity at the heart of librarianship, to actively address inequities that exist in our society. As libraries serve as pillars of informed citizenry, safe spaces, and invaluable resources for all; it is imperative that these services are for everyone. Libraries must work to break down systems of oppression and historical imbalances in collections, programming and services. We must recognize that many marginalized voices and communities are in need of platforms and spaces and it is the library’s duty to build intentionally inclusive environments that foster community while uplifting, celebrating and encouraging those that might have been denied or oppressed in the past. We must examine and rectify historically imbalanced representations and work towards honoring all people, fostering empathy and respect for all and providing opportunities to empower all.
As a teacher, reference librarian, and information professional, it is my job to make sure everyone has access, that marginalized voices are given platforms, and all lives are viewed through a lens of empathy, respect and cultural understanding. True equity extends beyond access to the heart of communities for all of us to feel seen, heard and valued. The transformative power of representation and respect cannot be overstated.
If you would like specific examples I am happy to provide them upon request. I also presented at CLA Conference June 2023 on equitable hiring criteria and diverse hiring pools.
To see my DEI Competency done for SJSU E-Portfolio, click this link!