When "Equity" Is a Taboo Term in Planning

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Course Details

The concepts of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) have increasingly become focal points in discussions surrounding urban development and city planning. While the terms are integral to ensuring fair access to resources and opportunities across communities, they have sparked debates and, at times, discomfort among planners, policymakers, and community stakeholders. Explore whether terms associated with DEI are becoming taboo in planning and the implications this has on policy, practice, and community engagement.

Panelists examine the tension between the aspiration for equitable cities and the challenges of implementing DEI-focused initiatives in our work. The panel:

  • Defines and contextualizes “diversity, equity, and inclusion” in city planning, exploring how different stakeholders understand and interpret the words;
  • Discusses resistance to DEI terms in planning, considering political sensitivity, clarity, and backlash;
  • Debates the justification for this discomfort;
  • Examines how reluctance to use "diversity, equity, or inclusion" impacts urban policy, potentially undermining efforts for inclusive cities;
  • Investigates community responses to DEI terms, focusing on alternate language and how wording can influence trust, participation, and the success of initiatives.

Learning Outcomes

  • Identify the complexities surrounding the terms "diversity, equity, and inclusion" in city planning and discover alternative language.
  • Understand practical insights into how planners and policymakers can address the challenges associated with equity-focused language.
  • Learn strategies for effective community engagement that prioritize inclusivity and trust-building.
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