Justice = Bathrooms
A few years ago I read a book by Dr. Steve Robbins who is a diversity expert and trainer who used an interesting example to highlight the difference between equity and justice.
He wrote the equity is making sure that there are the same number of bathroom stalls for men and women. Justice is having more stalls for women because it takes them more time to use the bathroom - at least in US American culture.
What I often hear from people is that it's "not fair" (or not equal) to have affirmative action policies yet what do we say about ramps or parking spots for people for disabilities? Or seats on the "T" for the elderly, pregnant women or people with physical disabilities? How about vegetarian and vegan options at a restaurant? Peanut allergies anyone?
All this to say that fair does not equal justice. Even the bible talks about God's command to the Israelites to leave behind grain for the poor to gather and eat or that the Apostle Paul should reach out to the Gentiles event when they were considered as "unclean," i.e. not Jewish.
As our society recognizes the diversity that exists among us, we have the opportunity to act more justly and be more compassionate...
"The Lord God has told us
what is right
and what he demands:
'See that justice is done,
let mercy be your first concern,
and humbly obey your God.'"
- Micah 6:8 Contemporary English Version
He wrote the equity is making sure that there are the same number of bathroom stalls for men and women. Justice is having more stalls for women because it takes them more time to use the bathroom - at least in US American culture.
What I often hear from people is that it's "not fair" (or not equal) to have affirmative action policies yet what do we say about ramps or parking spots for people for disabilities? Or seats on the "T" for the elderly, pregnant women or people with physical disabilities? How about vegetarian and vegan options at a restaurant? Peanut allergies anyone?
All this to say that fair does not equal justice. Even the bible talks about God's command to the Israelites to leave behind grain for the poor to gather and eat or that the Apostle Paul should reach out to the Gentiles event when they were considered as "unclean," i.e. not Jewish.
As our society recognizes the diversity that exists among us, we have the opportunity to act more justly and be more compassionate...
"The Lord God has told us
what is right
and what he demands:
'See that justice is done,
let mercy be your first concern,
and humbly obey your God.'"
- Micah 6:8 Contemporary English Version
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