8.2.1—Equity vs equality

Equality means giving people the same treatment, resources or outcome. Equity means judging what is fair, which may require different treatment to account for needs, barriers or contributions.

A policy can increase equality of income while reducing perceived equity, or improve equity through targeted support without making incomes equal. The criterion must be stated rather than assumed.

Giving every learner the same textbook is equal; providing accessible materials to a learner with a visual impairment may be more equitable while using different resources.

Equity is not a synonym for equality, and a measured equal outcome does not prove the process or opportunity was fair.