FEATURE
EQUITY
A Forgotten Step to Fundamental Change BY NICOLE M. MOZEE, ESQUIRE
Imagine at the center of social justice, there is a Pyramid of Freedom. This pyramid represents the building blocks of all social justice initiatives. At the apex of the pyramid is freedom, signifying an unfettered ability and enjoyment for everyone to be protected and empowered to achieve their dreams. Freedom is the ultimate goal. Under that resides justice, symbolizing a commitment to invoking and protecting individual rights and liberties. A level below is equality, occupied with achieving fairness for all. Finally, at the base of the pyramid is equity, the powerhouse foundation that supports the entire structure. Found in each 24
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Imagine at the center of social justice, there is a Pyramid of Freedom. This pyramid represents the building blocks of all social justice initiatives.
brick of the pyramid is collaboration and advocacy — facilitating interdependency and interaction at every level. In order to ensure a long lasting Pyramid of Freedom, attention must be given to its formidable foundation: equity. Too often equity is overlooked. Frequently confused with equality (i.e. sameness), many do not understand what equity is — let alone its foundational necessity in the overarching goal of fundamental change. Equity focuses on access and opportunity. It recognizes that different people may require different resources, tools, and supports to attain the same access to opportunities as others — ultimately achieving fairness or equality. Equity denounces privilege and bias as undermining to its purpose. One way to examine equity is to review systemic and structural entities.2 In nearly every system and infrastructure in our society exist inequities (i.e. unjust systemic practices or policies that preclude equitable access) that have plagued historically marginalized com-
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here is no doubt that 2020 was a year like no other in our nation’s modern history — full of ups and downs. Globally, the world encountered an unprecedented health pandemic which has ravaged communities in various ways. Nationally, the country grappled with an intensely polarized election cycle and another reckoning with race and social justice.1 Locally, Delaware witnessed the investiture of the first African American Supreme Court Justice, as well as additions of the first practicing Muslim and transgender person to the General Assembly. In the same stride, the Delaware legal community came under scrutiny and was questioned about the diversity of the state Bar. Through all of these events, there was a charge to raise awareness of diversity, inclusion, and equality. While each of these factors play a critical role in change, it is imperative to also acknowledge and prioritize their often forgotten, intrinsic partner — equity.
