Intersecting Venn diagram

Equity

Equality

Equity

Defined by Merriam Webster as “fairness or justice in the way people are treated; often, specifically: freedom from disparities in the way people of different races, genders, etc. are treated."

• Adapted support: resources, treatment, and opportunities are allocated according to each individual's specific needs and circumstances.
• Goal: ensure that each person has the ability to achieve a similar outcome regardless of their background.
• Example: teachers offering extra support to students who need it.

Image Courtesy of ETC Montessori

Equality

Defined by Merriam-Webster as “the quality or state of being equal (of the same measure, quantity, amount, or number as another...like for each member of a group, class, or society)."

• Uniform support: resources, treatment, and opportunities are allocated to each individual equally, without considering their specific circumstances.
• Goal: ensure that each person has the same tools to succeed.
• Example: teachers giving the same amount of time to each student for exams or assignments.

Image Courtesy of ETC Montessori

Similarities

• Each is used to address inequalities or disparities
• Each has both local and global contexts.
• Each involves the allocation of resources, treatment, and opportunities.
• Each can be used for different circumstances.