When Equal Isn’t Quite Equal

I’ve been in a courtroom a couple of times in the past few weeks.

Observing a friend’s partial journey through the system, and surveying other cases while we waited, got me thinking about fairness and justice. It’s interesting to watch judge and attorneys work together to apply the law equally while accounting for each person’s circumstances. It’s an imperfect process to be sure, but the interaction reminded me of an important principle I learned as a teacher.

The most unfair thing we can do is treat every kid exactly the same.

We tend to use words like fair, just, and equal interchangably without understanding important distinctions. Americans are especially enamored with the notion of equality, but equality only works for society when we begin from a position of equity.

Equity means everyone has an equal shot. Seeking equity involves setting things right, making up for past deficits. It means leveling the playing field and giving everyone the tools required to move forward with a chance to flourish.

I’ve been pondering this notion in terms of the kids at the HOME OF HOPE. One might ask why we ought to give extra help to these kids. 

It’s because God’s notion of justice is about equity, not equality.

Imagine everyone running around a 400 meter track. At first glace it seems “equal” for every runner to begin at the same starting line. A closer look shows that an equal starting line is quite unfair, because the outside lane is actually 53.7 meters longer. The runner on the inside lane begins with a big advantage..

The only way to make the race fair is to move the runners on the outside lanes forward. That’s how we create equity. (IMPORTANT NOTE: Moving the outside runners forward isn’t a “penalty” for the inside runner, who still runs 400 meters.)

People like me started life on the inside lane–white male American from a supportive, middle-class family. I might look at those folks way up ahead in the outside lanes and feel like they’re getting an unfair edge. That’s how equity feels to privileged folks like me.

The kids at the HOME OF HOPE, like so many victims of injustice, began life in the outside lane. They deserve to be moved forward, because that’s how we set things right. That’s God’s justice.

At the HOME OF HOPE they receive nutrition, clothing, education, aftercare, and love in a safe, nurturing environment. They live in Hope and Freedom. They’re encouraged to dream big dreams as followers of Jesus.

None of this gives them an unfair advantage. It only moves them closer to a place of relative equity. They’ll have a chance to run the race and use their gifts.

FRONT RANGE FREEDOM TOUR is a fun community that works together to bring Hope and Freedom to the kids as the HOME OF HOPE.

There are lots of ways to get involved. How about visiting our site (www.frontrangefreedomtour.org) right now?

We would love to have you on the team!