EDI Glossary of Key Terms

Based on terms defined in the Washington State DEI glossary resources, this subset of definitions can be used to define terms found in Green River’s Equity-Centered Strategic Plan and Non-Discrimination Statement. It can also be used to explore related definitions and concepts found in other equity-focused descriptions.

For additional resources, read the full 2021 Washington State Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion - Glossary of Equity-Related Terms developed through the work of Dr. Karen Johnson and DEI Workgroup members.

The number of years that a person has lived.

Refers to the physical color of a person’s skin.

Communities made up of people who are not considered white or of European descent.

Groups or entities within a community that work for the common good and address community concerns.

A system of religious belief or faith.

The customary beliefs, social forms, and material traits of a racial, religious, or social group.

Behaviors, attitudes, and policies that are respectful of and responsive to cultural differences.

The ability to understand, communicate with, and effectively interact with people across cultures.

A physical or mental condition that substantially limits one or more major life activities.

The presence of difference within a given setting, particularly regarding race, ethnicity, gender, disability, and other identities.

Economic justice refers to the fair distribution of resources, opportunities, and economic benefits within a society. It ensures that all individuals, regardless of background, have equitable access to wealth, employment, and essential services, addressing systemic inequalities and promoting economic well-being for all.

Refers to the income and wealth of individuals or families.

Fair treatment, access, opportunity, and advancement for all people while striving to identify and eliminate barriers that have prevented full participation of some.

A category of people who identify with each other based on shared social, cultural, or ancestral ties.

Socially constructed roles, behaviors, activities, and attributes that a society considers appropriate for men, women, and non-binary people.

An individual's internal sense of their own gender, which may or may not correspond to the sex they were assigned at birth.

Information about an individual’s genetic tests, family history of diseases, or genetic conditions.

Communities that have been historically excluded from full participation in social, economic, and political life.

Refers to individuals who have served in the military and have been discharged under honorable conditions.

A person’s legal standing in relation to their ability to reside and work in a country.

Involvement and empowerment, where the inherent worth and dignity of all people are recognized.

Communities in which the average income is significantly below the median income for the area or country.

The state of being single, married, divorced, or widowed.

A real or perceived impairment that significantly limits a major life activity.

The state of carrying a developing fetus within the body.

A socially constructed category used to classify people based on physical characteristics such as skin color, facial features, etc.

Refers to the country of origin or perceived country of origin of an individual or their ancestors.

A particular system of faith and worship.

A belief in a higher power or adherence to a particular faith or religious practices.

Refers to biological differences between males and females, such as reproductive organs, chromosomes, and hormones.

Unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that affects an individual’s work or academic environment.

Treating someone unfavorably because of their sex.

How one thinks of oneself in terms of whom one is sexually or romantically attracted to.

A person’s emotional, romantic, or sexual attraction to others.

The fair and just distribution of resources and opportunities within a society.

Refers to individuals with disabilities using trained animals to assist them in their daily lives.