‘Equity’ vs. ‘equality’: Dr. Ruthmae Sears to speak at Feb. 16 conference

People often use the terms equity and equality interchangeably, but as Dr. Ruthmae Sears eloquently explains, treating everyone as equals can ignore the preexisting limitations many people have endured their entire lives.

Sears is an associate professor at the University of South Florida and associate director for the Coalitions for Science Literacy, which focuses on inclusive excellence. As a research investigator, her studies include issues in curriculum, developing reasoning and proof skills and the integration of technology in teaching and learning mathematics.

Sears has presented her findings nationally and internationally, and several leading mathematics journals have published her work. She was also the principal investigator for the structural racism study commissioned by the City of St. Petersburg. In December, Sears led a presentation on the extensive report to the city council, who subsequently voted to approve the study and its recommendations.

On Feb. 16, a local and international audience will hear another presentation from Sears, this time on the juxtaposition between racial equality and racial equity. The St. Petersburg Conference on World Affairs (SPCWA) begins Tuesday, Feb. 15 at 5 p.m. with opening remarks by Board Chair Diane Seligsohn and Mayor Ken Welch. Renowned author and former military advisor Sarah Chayes will then present the keynote address, and Sears said she most looks forward to the diverse perspectives the conference provides.

“Also seeing where we’re at and where could we go,” added Sears. “Thinking about the possibilities, the opportunities and gaining insight as a collective of how we could transform and enhance the St. Petersburg community with a global mindset.”

Sears believes the global conference highlights the city’s visionary actions and ability to effectuate change. Sears said it is easy to only address issues in the context of your boundaries without thinking about how those actions align within a global setting. She looks forward to SPCWA bringing together diverse perspectives to tell the same story through different lenses.

Sears explained that equality is when everyone is treated the same regardless of differences and used her background in mathematics as an example. Some students may excel in math, while others need the help of tutors and aides to meet minimum standards. Equity would accommodate the students that struggle, and ensure that everyone thrives within set parameters.

“If you don’t have the right, what we call prerequisites, you’re highly unlikely to take advantage of many opportunities,” said Sears. “If it’s just equal, you’re still going to be excluding a large portion of the population based on those preexisting limitations, which perhaps was structural before they even engaged in the space.”

Sears said that in education, leaders often refer to an achievement gap. She believes that gap is in opportunity rather than achievement and said some people lack the proper bridge over barriers they encounter in life.

Sears said it is critical to institute support mechanisms that ensure a level playing field, which led her to the stepladder analogy to visualize the concept of equity versus equality. If everyone is watching a sporting event from the same height and distance, some may be too short to see the game. They require some form of elevation to have the same view as others.

“That’s where equity kicks in,” said Sears. “Equity is thinking about ways to ensure we provide opportunities for all in which everyone can benefit.”

Sears said the previous city administration made noticeable progress regarding equity for citizens. She commended former Mayor Rick Kriseman, former Deputy Mayor Kanika Tomalin, and Nikki Gaskin-Capehart, director of urban affairs, for their leadership and innovative thinking on adopting equitable solutions.

While Sears noted the recent progress in St. Petersburg, she said the focus should now turn to the next steps. She said the structural racism study highlighted room for growth by creating more opportunities to address past shortcomings in the city.

“We’re moving forward,” she added. “But we want to make sure that we’re not just leaning forward – we want to make sure we’re making progress forward.”

When asked to describe her work on the structural racism study, Sears let out a long exhale and paused before calling it “a journey.” She said reading through the historical documents and realizing the pain people endured was traumatic, as was thinking about the fellow residents that stood by and silently watched the inequality continue.

Although the study was a painful experience, Sears said knowing that the city wants to focus on the recommendations and the future provides a reason for optimism. She said the city’s willingness to listen to painful documentation of its mistakes shows growth and is a cause for hope moving forward.

“This is where that love kicks in,” she said. “When we start thinking with humanity – many of the decisions become clearer when you put the people in the story and when you start thinking about how you help people.”

For more information on SPCWA, visit its website here.