What is an Equity Lens?
An equity lens is a process for analyzing or diagnosing the impact of the design and implementation of policies on under-served and marginalized individuals and groups, and to identify and potentially eliminate barriers. Each new policy and any policy going through comprehensive review must conduct an equity lens review.
Scope of the Equity Lens
The following underrepresented individuals or groups are included in the scope of our equity lens review.
- Ethnicity
- Race
- Religious expression
- People who identify as women
- People with both apparent and non-apparent disabilities
- People of various gender and sexual identities and expressions
- Age
- Socio-economic
- Veteran Status
- People of color
- American Indians and other indigenous populations
- National origin
How the Equity Lens Process Works
Each new administrative policy or any administrative policy undergoing comprehensive review will be reviewed by a subcommittee of the Diversity Community of Practice (DCoP). DCoP meets monthly to review proposed drafts and identify any potential for disparate impact on one or more individuals or audiences listed above. (See the About tab for the DCoP meeting schedule.) All materials should be sent to Amelious N Whyte ([email protected]) and Susan Rafferty ([email protected]) a minimum of 5 days prior to the stated meeting date/time.
Policy Owners are welcome to invite other individuals with whom they’re consulting to consider the equity impact of the proposed documents as well.
Outcomes from the DCoP reviews are summarized in one of two companion forms to administrative policies:
- Administrative Policy Plan (new)
- Comprehensive Review or Change Request (revisions)
Owners will specify whether or not the draft was modified based on the feedback.
Equity Lens Job Aid
Applying an equity lens to policy development is a process for analyzing or diagnosing the impact of the design and implementation of policies on under-served and marginalized individuals and groups, and to identify and potentially eliminate barriers.
The Guide to Writing Policy and Procedure incorporates equity lens tips for each policy section when drafting or revising your policy and procedural drafts.