Equity is about treating everyone fairly. An equity emphasis seeks to render justice by deeply considering structural factors that benefit some social groups/communities and harm others. Equity is distinct from equality. Equality means everyone is given the same resources or opportunities, while achieving equity sometimes requires an unequal response.
Justice is the process of society moving from an unfair, unequal, or inequitable state to one that is fair, equal, or equitable. It requires proactive enforcement of policies, practices, and attitudes that produce equitable access, opportunities, treatment, and outcomes for all, regardless of the various identities that one holds.
Inclusion is authentically bringing traditionally excluded individuals and/or groups into processes, activities, and decision/policy making. An inclusive and welcoming climate embraces and respects differences.
Diversity refers to all the ways in which people differ, and encompasses the different characteristics that make one individual or group different from another (e.g., race, ethnicity, gender, age, national origin, religion, disability, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, education, marital status, language, veteran status, physical appearance, lived experience, perspectives, ...etc.).
Access refers to the commitment for everyone to be included in all programs and activities. It relies on structures that make resources visible and available, which creates equitable spaces.