Equitable and Inclusive Practices

Embedding equitable and inclusive practices into our work requires an open and curious mindset. It can be helpful to continuously pause and ask ourselves: what are we missing? This can be hard to do, but it's critical to take the time to investigate, and include others in the inquiry.

Being intentional is essential to moving towards a more inclusive practice. This is true both for developing content and for designing publishing programs. In doing so, we can help ensure that more readers identify with and relate to the material. This will:

  • Improve student engagement as they recognize themselves and their life experiences in the material;
  • Appeal to instructors in a variety of educational settings;
  • Create a more interesting reading and learning experience;
  • Help ensure students are more prepared to engage in the diverse and multicultural world they live in.

Content Considerations

Here are some questions for authors, and those supporting authors, to consider throughout the content development process:

  • Whose voices or perspectives are missing?
  • Does this material reflect the students who will use it? 
  • Is this resource relevant and reflective of students' lived experiences?
  • Does this resource reflect privilege that may be invisible to the author?
  • Who can't access or will struggle to access this material?
  • Are we providing clear language about how to use the resource? 

In addition to these questions, you may want to provide authors with a rubric. For example, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in OER Rubric & Guide Links to an external site. (Open Education Network) or the Online Equity Rubric Links to an external site. (Peralta Community College District).

In addition, here are more recommendations on Guiding Authors Toward Inclusive Content Creation Links to an external site..

Publishing Program Design

Here are some ways to approach your publishing program design so that it's inclusive and equitable:

  • Form diverse committees so that you have a variety of perspectives about which project to fund if your program offers grants or stipends.
  • Award grants to authors who prioritize inclusive content.
  • Support authors in creating a textbook that appeals to diverse audiences. For example, if the open textbook includes images, ensure that they reflect people from various cultural backgrounds, sexual orientations and abilities. If the open textbook includes case studies, ensure that they represent a variety of lived experiences.
  • When authoring open course content, incorporate universal design and format for accessibility.
  • Hire student employees to review content and give feedback.
  • Provide a way for student readers to contact the author or publishers.

Read more about centering Diversity and Inclusion Links to an external site. in The OER Starter Kit.