Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are embedded within restorative practices. These values help to meet the needs of people from all walks of life. Gateway to Restorative Practices honors the practices of these elements. Trainers provide opportunities for participants to engage in courageous conversations about difficult topics in a safe environment.
Diversity
Diversity includes a huge range of components, including but not limited to, gender, race, ethnicity, socio-economic status, culture, religion, education, age, experience, political, nation of origin, physical ability, and neurodiversity. Training is designed to meet the needs and capacities of diverse participants.
Equity
Equity is the fair treatment of all people. Equity offers individualized support for students to address barriers and ensures that each student receives essential resources and opportunities depending on their needs. There’s a subtle difference between equity and equality. Equality means providing the same for all. For example, in equality, every child gets milk for lunch while equity offers all children something to drink at lunch. Students with milk allergies are offered an alternative.
Inclusion
Gateway to Restorative Practices trainers advocate promoting an inclusive culture where every voice matters. When inclusion is a foundation, educators, students, and parents/caregivers feel their voices are heard. The needs of everyone are considered, alongside the restorative assumption that we respect the dignity and humanity of all participants.