Equality versus Equity

While equality and equity are often used interchangeably, they actually have different meanings:

Equality refers to treating everyone the same, regardless of their differences. In other words, equality means giving everyone equal access to the same opportunities and resources.

Equity, on the other hand, refers to ensuring everyone has access to the resources and opportunities they need to succeed, regardless of their differences. Equity recognizes that some people may need more support or resources to achieve the same outcomes as others due to factors such as race, gender, socioeconomic status, or disability.

In short, equality means treating everyone the same. In contrast, equity means giving everyone what they need to be successful, even if that means treating people differently based on their unique circumstances.