Understanding Equity vs Equality

In conversations about fairness and justice in education, the terms equity and equality are often used interchangeably. However, understanding the distinction between them is essential for creating Inclusion.

Equality means providing the same resources or opportunities to everyone, regardless of their individual circumstances. For example, in a classroom setting, equality would mean giving each student the exact same reading materials regardless of ability or the exact same time to complete a task. On the surface, this sounds fair, but treating everyone the same doesn’t always account for differences in needs or abilities. 

Equity, on the other hand, recognises that people have different circumstances. It’s not about giving everyone the same thing, but about giving everyone what they need to succeed. Continuing the classroom example, equity would mean providing extra time for students with cognitive disabilities to complete exams or offering rest breaks for students with social/emotional disabilities.

Equity means ensuring each student has what they need to thrive, and that is what we aim to do in our Inclusion Program at BPC.

Acting Director of Inclusion

Jessica Abbotts