Letter: The distinctions between equality and equity

The letter writer are right. I did not mean to convey that some lives are worth more than others.

What I want to convey is perhaps the distinction between equality and equity.

When we think of equality, we often think of the words of our founding fathers, “All men are created equal.” But equality at that time did not include women or people of color.

Over generations, our nation has worked to bring equality into greater clarity, and in recent years the concept of equity helps us better understand that work.

Equality is about giving everyone access to the same resources, regardless of their circumstances. Equity is about giving everyone the resources they need so all can have access to equal opportunity.

When I spoke of giving those most at risk more, it wasn’t because any one person or group is worth more, it was because we need a better focus on those who have been disproportionately impacted by race, gender, abilities or other circumstances.

When we know infant mortality is two to three times higher for black babies then white babies, offering additional care and outreach just makes sense.

When we offer education to all children and pay extra attention to children of color or with disabilities because their educational outcomes are less than their more privileged peers, it just makes sense.

When we work in our communities to combat racism with respect, addressing disproportionality in our educational, health and justice systems, we are working towards equity as well as equality.

It just makes sense. I thank the writer for asking me to clarify my point of view.

Janet St Clair

Camano Island