The Purpose of this Guide
The purpose of this library guide is to raise awareness of our diverse community, to provide students, faculty, and staff with resources and information about equity, diversity and inclusion, and to provide faculty and staff with pedagogical resources related to these topics.
"Eastern Illinois University is committed to fostering a learning community where all members feel welcomed and valued. The university provides equality of opportunity in all areas of campus life and we strive to recognize and appreciate the unique value of our students, faculty, and staff. Every member of campus has the right to learn and work in an environment free of discrimination and harassment, and beyond that, our goal is for all members of our community to develop a strong sense of belonging to Eastern Illinois University." -EIU Statement of Diversity and Inclusion
Inclusive Excellence at EIU (Video)
Scope and Limitations
This guide is to serve as a place for individuals on the Eastern Illinois University campus to acquire knowledge regarding inclusive excellence, to introduce the campus community to some of the terms used within, and to provide access to library resources on this topic. We welcome and appreciate feedback regarding how this guide can be improved.
Some initial definitions:
Structural Oppression
The ways in which history, culture, ideology, public policies, institutional practices, and personal behaviors and beliefs interact to maintain a hierarchy – based on race, class, gender, sexuality, and/or other group identities – that allows the privileges associated with the dominant group and the disadvantages associated with the oppressed, targeted, or marginalized group to endure and adapt over time.
Source: "The Dynamic System of Power, Privilege, and Oppression." Open Source Leadership.
Microaggression
Microaggressions are the everyday verbal, nonverbal, and environmental slights, snubs, or insults, whether intentional or unintentional, which communicate hostile, derogatory, or negative messages to target persons based solely upon their marginalized group membership.
Source: "Microaggressions: More Than Just Race" by Derald Wing Sue.
Discrimination
Discrimination means treating an individual or group differently or less favorably (e.g., denied rights, benefits, equitable treatment, or access to facilities available to all others) on the basis of Protected Class.
Source: "Non-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment (Policy 1060)" Boise State University
Prejudice
Preconceived opinion not based on reason or actual experience; bias, partiality; (now) spec. unreasoned dislike, hostility, or antagonism towards, or discrimination against, a race, sex, or other class of people.
Source: "prejudice, n." OED Online.
Inclusivity
The practice or policy of providing equal access to opportunities and resources for people who might otherwise be excluded or marginalized, such as those having physical or mental disabilities or belonging to other minority groups.
Source: Lexico.com, A collaboration between Dictionary.com and Oxford University Press
• Crisis Text Line: Text START to 741-741
• Lifeline Crisis Chat (Online Messaging)
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: (800) 273-8255
• RAINN 24/7 Hotline: 800-656-HOPE (800-656-4673)
• RAINN Live Chat (National Sexual Assault Online Hotline)
• National Coalition Against Domestic Violence: (800) 799-7233 (calls are anonymous)
• What to Do If Your Rights Are Violated at a Demonstration or Protest (ACLU.org)
Local EIU resources, including crisis support
The original layout and content for this guide was created by June Meissner and Amy Vecchione for the Center for Teaching and Learning at Boise State University. Content has been altered to represent resources relevant to our region, and resources owned or licensed by EIU.
