DEI Dictionary | September 2024, Vol 1
Words have power! Check out these terms that provide information and understanding in the ever-evolving lexicon of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
Chicano/a: A term adopted by some Mexican Americans to demonstrate pride in their heritage, born out of the national Chicano Movement, which was politically aligned with the Civil Rights Movement to end racial oppression and social inequalities experienced by Mexican Americans. Chicano pertains to the experience of Mexican‐descended individuals living in the United States. Not all Mexican Americans identify as Chicano.
Collusion: When people act to perpetuate oppression or to prevent others from working to eliminate oppression. Example: able-bodied people who object to strategies for making buildings more accessible because of the expense.
Golden Rule vs. Platinum Rule of How to Treat Employees: The maxim “treat people as you want to be treated” is viewed as the “Golden Rule.” This statement negates the experiences of those an individual interacts with, which may include neurodivergence and disability aspects that should be respected. Instead, the “Platinum Rule” states “lead people the way they want to be led,” which focuses on understanding the unique differences between employees and coworkers and recognizes that the same leadership style might not work for everyone..
Hispanic: A term adopted in the United States in an attempt to group immigrants and their descendants whose countries of origin derive from Latin America. Hispanic is often used interchangeably with “Latino” or “Latina” despite the potential to convey slightly different connotations. These terms refer only to a person’s origin and history. A Hispanic/Latino/Latina person can be any race or color.
HSI: An acronym that stands for Hispanic-Serving Institutions. To be eligible for this distinction, institutions of higher education must have an enrollment rate of 25 percent or more Hispanic undergraduate full-time equivalent students.
Latine: Latine is a gender-neutral form of the word Latino created by gender non-binary and feminist communities in Spanish-speaking countries.
Definitions curated by Seramount: Glossary of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Terms