By leading with race. Leading with race is important because racial inequities exist in every facet of our communities - housing, schooling, access to equitable healthcare, and educational resources, to name a few. Centering and leading with race can help understand notions of power, privilege, and racism and how these ideas contribute to inequitable access and opportunities connected with resources, voting, and being represented within governmental structures.
Research tells us that when equity is the primary focus, with diversity and inclusion as supportive facets, all segments of communities are improved. This allows individuals who have often been institutionally marginalized and historically disadvantaged to be full engaged and supported to achieve successful outcomes. Because of this, the OSE emphasizes Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, EDI, as the order of our efforts, rather than DEI.