I started noticing a shift in language online and in conversations with colleagues—from Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB), and naturally, I was curious about what this meant. As someone who has always been committed to fostering inclusive environments, I wanted to understand how this shift impacts schools.
In my own experience, when my school embraced DEIJ (with Justice included), we struggled with the "Justice" component. It felt abstract and overwhelming—how do you address such deep, systemic issues within the scope of a school?
I wanted to learn more, and as I explored the shift to DEIB, I discovered that focusing on belonging makes diversity and inclusion work more tangible, more immediate, and ultimately more achievable. This article is about what I found and how this approach can help schools like ours.
Understanding DEI and DEIB
Diversity refers to the representation of various identities.
Equity ensures fair treatment and access to opportunities.
Inclusion involves creating environments where everyone feels welcome.
Belonging takes it a step further, ensuring students feel emotionally connected, accepted, and able to express their authentic selves.
Why the Shift Matters for Schools
Belonging Is Easier to Achieve Many schools have struggled with the Justice part of DEIJ because addressing systemic inequities can feel overwhelming. Belonging, however, focuses on students’ day-to-day emotional safety and inclusion, making it more manageable and immediately impactful. This doesn’t mean ignoring justice, but belonging allows schools to create inclusive environments while laying the foundation for deeper change.
In my experience, focusing on belonging has helped students feel more connected and supported, making our school community stronger.
Belonging Drives Engagement and Success Students who feel they belong are more engaged, achieve better academic outcomes, and develop stronger social-emotional skills. This makes belonging a powerful tool for schools to boost performance and reduce issues like absenteeism and discipline problems.
Cultural Cohesion and Retention Fostering belonging helps build stronger relationships within the school community, enhancing collaboration, respect, and understanding. Schools that promote a sense of belonging see fewer behavioural issues and greater student and teacher retention.
How Schools Can Implement DEIB
Foster Emotional Safety: Encourage open expression and ensure students feel heard.
Inclusive Participation: Provide opportunities for all students to engage and contribute.
Build Relationships: Develop mentorship programs and positive teacher-student interactions.
Celebrate Differences: Host events and create spaces that honour and respect diverse cultures.
Lead by Example: Model inclusive, belonging-focused behaviours and ensure staff are equipped to do the same.
Belonging as a Path to Justice
These actionable steps not only create a more inclusive environment today but also pave the way for deeper conversations about justice tomorrow. While justice may seem distant, belonging can serve as a stepping stone toward it. When students feel safe and accepted, they are more likely to advocate for themselves and others, setting the stage for meaningful discussions about equity and systemic change.
The shift from DEI to DEIB offers schools a more immediate and actionable way to create inclusive environments. By focusing on belonging, schools can nurture stronger, more connected communities where students thrive—while laying the foundation for broader justice work in the future.
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