Commentary: Equity aims to allow each of us to live our best life; Gov. Sununu is wrong

Robin LeBlanc
·3 min read

In Thursday’s Herald (6-29-2023) summary of Governor Sununu’s State of the State address, the last section outlines the Governor’s take on Equality vs Equity. The Governor explains equity as in a race, where all runners start out at the same time, but then at the end, “everyone needs to slow down to the slowest runner so you could all finish the race at the same time.”

This, he said, illustrates how “equity reduces everybody to the common denominator, something that is “downright un-American.” He goes on to say that “(Equity) goes against everything we are in terms of being the best, striving your highest potential, and not being punished for it … Equity punishes success.”

I am flabbergasted.

Equality is about thinking about everyone as if we are the same, with same backgrounds, abilities and needs - thus giving us each equal tools, equal treatments, and more. Yes, equal opportunities are great, and to a point, we all deserve them. And then there is equity.

Equity is about recognizing that we are not all the same - thus giving us what we need – whether for daily living, or to be “successful.” We all benefit from that.

This is not a zero-sum game. In creating equitable spaces and circumstances, we all win. It is not about the size of the pie slices, or even the size of the pie. It’s not even a pie.

A common example is bicycles: Equality would mean that everyone in your family gets the same bicycle. Equity means that each person gets the bike that fits them and gives them what they need (eg size, training wheels, size of tires..). Other examples include (but are certainly not limited to):

  • Those with blood sugar challenges may need to snack more often, and outside of scheduled break times at work or school.

  • Some people need quiet when working or studying – others can only do so with music playing. Give each what they need.

  • Some brain functions mean that it takes longer to process information, so give those people extra test time or review time. Standard parameters do not work for them.

  • Free breakfasts and lunches at schools for those whose families are in certain income brackets mean that all kids can learn and go through the day without being hungry.

  • Universal Broadband, universal Kindergarten, universal design all support equity. (And equality.)

Who is being punished here?

Some see instances of trying to achieve equity (giving folks us what we need) and cry “It’s not fair! Why should they get special treatment?”

Is it “special treatment” to get what we need – sometimes to simply live a day?

  • Are corrective lenses and hearing aids “special treatment”?

  • Are ramps instead of steps “special treatment” for those in wheelchairs, pushing strollers?

  • Is it “special treatment” to give someone a job who may not look like us or sound like us – and the talent is there?

  • If your town’s meeting spaces are on the second floor, with no elevator, who cannot attend the meetings? Does an elevator mean “special treatment?”

Blanket rules and practices, regardless of people’s needs (eg at work: bathroom breaks only at a certain time, no sitting to work, not accommodating for care-giver challenges and more) bring everyone down. We think we are doing good by treating everyone the same. But we are not. Each of us is different.

Contrary to our Governor’s words, the aim of equity is to support everyone so that we can each live the best lives we can. And since we each need something a little different, does it not make sense for us all to try to support each other? Sounds like the America I stand for.

Robin H. LeBlanc, of Dover, is part of RHL Strategies, providing facilitation and business consulting services across northern New England.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Commentary: Equity aims to allow each of us to live our best life