forbidden words: community equity

community n. 1 This is a good community in which to bring up children:  neighborhood, district, locale, area, vicinity, quarter, residential suburb, environs; environment, surroundings. 2 The entire community is behind the charity drive. The scholarly community welcomed the new library:  group, social group, interest group; populace, population, citizenry, public, people, folk, society.  3  Archeologists and anthropologists share somewhat the same community of interest: area, sphere, field, range, realm, scope, province, arena; sameness, similarity, likeness, affinity, agreement.
Ant. 3 difference, dissimilarity, disparity, disagreement, conflict.

from – Family Word Finder: Reader’s Digest. The Reader’s Digest Association, 1975.

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equity n. 1 The Supreme Court much just each case with complete equity: impartiality, fairmindedness, fairness, justness, evenhandedness, reasonableness; fair dealings, justice. 2 The family has over $10,000 equity in the house: assets over liabilities, assets after mortgage, cash value; (loosely) cash, value, profit, assets, investment.
Ant. 1 unfairness, partiality, bias, prejudice, unreasonableness; justice.

from – Family Word Finder: Reader’s Digest. The Reader’s Digest Association, 1975.

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Community equity refers to ensuring that all community members have fair access to opportunities and resources, ultimately achieving a state of justice and fairness. It’s about creating a society where everyone can participate fully, prosper, and reach their potential, regardless of race, gender, socioeconomic status, or other demographic factors. 

Here’s a more detailed breakdown:

Fair Access and Opportunity:
Community equity aims to eliminate systemic barriers and ensure that all community members have equal access to essential resources like education, healthcare, housing, and economic opportunities. 

Addressing Historical Inequities:
It acknowledges that certain groups have historically faced discrimination and disadvantage, and actively works to dismantle those systemic inequalities. 

Meeting Needs and Shared Values:
Equitable communities prioritize meeting the needs of all members and ensuring that everyone feels valued and included. 

Creating a Stronger Community:
By addressing inequities and fostering inclusion, community equity strengthens the overall well-being and resilience of the community. 

Examples of Community Equity:
This can include investing in low-income neighborhood schools, ensuring safe and accessible public transportation, and creating affordable housing options. 

Community Equity vs. Equality:
While equality means providing the same resources to everyone, equity recognizes that people have different starting points and needs, and provides tailored support to address disparities. 

from — Google Search. (n.d.).

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note: I have been focusing on definitions for forbidden words and phrases phrases in dictionaries. I have two from the late 1960s and 1970s that I use because: 1. I own them; 2. I’m curious to see how language has evolved over my own lifetime; and, 3. I’m assuming many people working with Trump would also be most familiar with language from the mid-twentieth century.

My initial search begins with analogue dictionaries, ie., actual hand held books. If there is no definition in the books I currently own, or a definition needs further exploration, I turn to the internet.

When I look for definitions online, I try to find a source that is either from an online dictionary, or from an academic site. I found the most comprehensive definition of community equity in one place through google’s definition. I try to avoid the google definition generally, but after much searching, settled on google.

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example sentence: community equity

“The city council is focusing on community equity by investing in affordable housing in underserved neighborhoods.” This highlights how community equity relates to addressing inequalities and providing resources where they are most needed.
from — Google Search. (n.d.).

Community equity means that you have put time and energy into being a reliable person in your local community. The people in your community know you; they know that you are an honest, hard-working person so they are willing to support you because they know you’ll get the job done. Your relationships lead to results.
from — What is Community Equity, Adam Mutschler, LinkedIn

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April 21, 2025
Hudson Valley, New York

This is one of the words / combination of words you can’t say in the new Trump Administration. See a comprehensive list at the Forbidden Words Project.

image: light at the end of the road © Holly Troy 2024