Equity and Justice Conversation

Understanding the value set of Equity and Justice:

1. How do you define equity, and how does it differ from equality?
2. When you hear the term “equity” in a workplace or academic setting, what does this terms mean to you in practice, not just in principle?
3. Reflect on your own experiences. Can you identify instances that demonstrate behavior related to equity? How did it impact you and those involved?
4. When you hear the term “justice” in a workplace or academic setting, what does this terms mean to you in practice, not just in principle?
5. How do you personally define justice, and how does your definition align with or differ from broader societal understandings of the concept?
6. Where do you most often notice fairness or unfairness showing up in everyday work life (e.g., workload, decision-making, access to information, recognition)?
7. Consider the role of empathy in achieving justice. How might understanding others' perspectives influence the pursuit of empathy through/based on fairness?
8. How do equity and justice contribute to UMB’s broader mission of improving the human condition? Where do you see that connection most clearly?

Exploring how you can be a catalyst for others valuing Equity and Justice through your actions:

1. Think about a recent decision or process you were part of. What is one question you could ask in the future to ensure decision making is fair, inclusive, and transparent?
2. Consider whose voices are most often heard - and whose are missing - in your meetings, classrooms, or teams. What is one action you can take to widen participation?
3. What is one policy, practice, or “this is how we’ve always done it” norm that could benefit from being revisited through an equity and justice lens? What’s a small first step toward change?
4. Equity and justice are sustained through everyday behaviors. What is one habit you can adopt this week that supports fairness, dignity, and belonging for others?
5. Promoting a culture of respect for diverse identities speaks to our commitment to equity and justice. What is one action you can take this week that will demonstrate your respect of diverse identities within the UMB community?
6. Equity involves ensuring people have access to the tools they need as an individual to achieve the desired outcomes. What is one action you can take this week that will support those around you and/or yourself getting access to the tools needed for success?
7. Community engagement, joining together with those within and outside of your community to address systemic injustices, is one way of working towards justice. What is one way you will build community this week?
8. Restorative justice involves practices that focus on healing and rehabilitation rather than punitive measures. What is one voluntary action you can take this week that will have you working towards healing a personal or social injustice?