A recent letter in The Columbian (“Equality is not the same as equity,” Our Readers’ Views, July 27) shared the opinion that the concept of “equity” is immoral, communistic and un-American. I disagree. Equity is defined as “the common fairness that follows the spirit rather than the letter of justice.” (Webster’s) Those words seem quite American to me.
Some Americans are born into great wealth, and others into poverty. One child will have great resources available, while the other very little with which to succeed. They are equal citizens but have different opportunities. Equity attempts to provide the poor child with enough resources to succeed in life. We all benefit from more successful lives.
Equity doesn’t mean taking away resources from families with a greater abundance. Equity is the effort to give every child the means necessary to succeed.
