Key terms

Someone who makes the commitment and effort to recognize their privilege (based on gender, class, race, sexual identity, etc.) and to work in solidarity with oppressed groups in the struggle for justice. Allies understand that it is in their own interest to end all forms of oppression, even those from which they may benefit in concrete ways. (Harvard University)

A political term used to categorize and display solidarity among Black people, Indigenous people, and people of color in the United States. Although BIPOC is commonly used by activists, it is not universally embraced. Some consider it redundant, and others see it as less inclusive by diminishing the experiences of non-Black or Indigenous people. As with any other identity term, it is up to individuals to choose to use this term as an identifier. (Greatist, Diversity Style Guide)

Prejudice against or in favor of people belonging to a particular social class.

The active and intentional process of unlearning values, beliefs and conceptions that have caused physical, emotional or mental harm to people through colonization. It requires a recognition of systems of oppression.

There are many types of disability, generally falling into the following categories: physical or mobility, sensory, developmental/intellectual/cognitive, autism spectrum disorder, mental health conditions and mental illness. Someone can be born with a disability or acquire it later in life. It is also important to understand that not all disabilities are obvious. Definitions of disability can be complex and are evolving. On one hand, there are legal definitions of disabilities used when determining whether someone is eligible to receive public benefits or is in a protected class. On the other hand, there are individuals’ and disability activists’ definitions of disability. Regardless of how one defines disability, the experience of people living with disability is often one of dealing with barriers — physical obstacles, language, inaccessible media, stigma, prejudice, lowered expectations and pity — that hinder full participation in community life and the realization of one’s full human potential. (Land Trust Alliance)

Also known as unconscious bias or hidden bias, implicit biases are negative associations that people unknowingly hold. They are expressed automatically, without conscious awareness. Many studies have indicated that implicit biases affect individuals’ attitudes and actions, thus creating real-world implications, even though individuals may not be aware that those biases exist within themselves. Notably, implicit biases have been shown to outweigh individuals’ stated commitments to equality and fairness, thereby producing behavior that diverges from the explicit attitudes that many people profess. (The Ohio State University)

Refers specifically to the ways in which institutional policies and practices create different outcomes and opportunities for different groups based on racial discrimination.

The ways in which systems of inequality based on gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, class and other forms of discrimination intersect to create unique dynamics and effects. Identities and power dynamics — however people experience them — do not exist in silos, but instead are the result of unique experiences, expertise and privilege depending on the sum of a person's identities and the context they are in. (Center for Intersectional Justice)

Everyday verbal or behavioral expressions that communicate a negative slight or insult in relation to someone’s identity, race, sex, disability and so on. While microaggressions may seem small, compounded over time, they can have a deleterious impact on someone’s experience, physical health and psychological well-being. (Access Living, Harvard Business Review)

The systematic subjugation of one social group by a more powerful social group for the social, economic and political benefit of the more powerful social group. Oppression equals power plus prejudice. (Dismantling Racism Workbook)

Actions and beliefs that prioritize masculinity. Patriarchy is practiced systemically in the ways and methods through which power is distributed in society (jobs and positions of power given to men in government, policy, criminal justice, etc.) while also influencing how we interact with one another interpersonally (gender expectations, sexual dynamics, space-taking, etc.).

The ability or right to control people and events, or to influence the way people act or think in important ways.

Unearned social power accorded by the formal and informal institutions of society to all members of a dominant group (e.g., white privilege, male privilege). Privilege is usually invisible to those who have it, but it nevertheless puts them at an advantage over those who do not. (Colors of Resistance)

Racism involves one group having the power to carry out systematic discrimination through the institutional policies and practices of the society and by shaping the cultural beliefs and values that support those racist policies and practices. (Dismantling Racism Workbook, The American Psychological Association)

Systemic disadvantage(s) of one social group compared to other groups, rooted and perpetuated through discriminatory practices (conscious or unconscious) that are reinforced through institutions, ideologies, representations, policies/laws and practices. When this kind of inequality is related to racial/ethnic discrimination, it is referred to as systemic or structural racism.

Conscious and unconscious, non-random and organized harassment, discrimination, exploitation, prejudice and other forms of unequal treatment that impact different groups. Sometimes used to refer to systemic racism.

Performative presence without meaningful participation. For example, a superficial invitation for the participation of members of a certain socially oppressed group, who are expected to speak for the whole group without giving them a real opportunity to speak for themselves.

Discomfort and defensiveness on the part of a white person when confronted by information about racial inequality and injustice.

The ideology that white people and the ideas, thoughts, beliefs and actions of white people are superior to people of color and their ideas, thoughts, beliefs and actions. The term white supremacy refers to a political or socioeconomic system where white people enjoy structural advantages and rights that other racial and ethnic groups do not, both at a collective and an individual level. (Dismantling Racism Workbook)

White Supremacy Culture Characteristics and Antidotes: Described in Tema Okun’s online resource, White Supremacy Culture – Still Here. The antidotes describe behavior changes we can make to create a more welcoming, inclusive, equitable and just culture in our organizations and our lives.