Simply Stated. Pipelines = inequities.

Deficit pipelines are pathways that lead to specific inequitable outcomes for particular groups of people, outcomes such as attending low-quality or unsafe schools, living in neighborhoods that are economically disinvested in, which creates lower-paying jobs in such communities, and living in zones that have reduced access to healthy food, which negatively impacts children's brain development, their learning and their ability to pay attention and socialize appropriately in school in such areas (i.e., "food deserts).

The list of deficit pipelines in our society goes on and on...

1. School-to-Prison Pipeline Policies and practices in education that contribute to criminalizing students, particularly students of color and those with disabilities, often involving harsh disciplinary measures such as suspensions, expulsions, and referrals to law enforcement, which can lead to involvement in the criminal justice system.
2. Health Disparities Pipeline A set of factors that lead to unequal health outcomes for certain groups, including social determinants of health, such as poverty and lack of access to healthcare, as well as systemic biases in the healthcare system.
3. Housing Discrimination Pipeline Policies and practices that contribute to discrimination in housing, particularly against marginalized groups such as people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those with disabilities, leading to unequal access to affordable housing, which then leads to homelessness and housing insecurity.
4. Employment Discrimination Pipeline Systemic biases and barriers that prevent marginalized groups from accessing and advancing in the workforce, such as discrimination in hiring, promotion, and pay, as well as lack of access to training and education opportunities.
5. Immigration Pipeline Policies and practices that contribute to the marginalization and exploitation of undocumented immigrants, particularly those who are people of color. This can include workplace exploitation, lack of access to healthcare and other basic needs, and fear of deportation and family separation.

On the other hand, asset pipelines lead to positive outcomes for specific groups; favorable outcomes such as the opportunity to attend high-quality schools in your neighborhood, having close enough Access and various transportation options to commute to "good" paying jobs, being able to exercise your rights freely, etc

1. Internship programs that provide exclusive opportunities for students from top-tier universities often lead to connections with influential people in the industry, which can result in job offers and career advancement opportunities.  
2. Legacy admissions policies at universities that give preferential treatment to children of alumni cause higher acceptance rates and greater access to resources and opportunities for students from families with a history of attending prestigious universities.  
3. Affinity groups or mentorship programs often cater to certain privileged groups, such as white men or affluent individuals. These programs can provide support, networking opportunities, and access to resources that may not be available to members of marginalized groups. 
4. Access to financial resources, such as family wealth provides advantages in terms of education, healthcare, and career opportunities. An example is having access to a family trust fund can allow someone to pursue their dream career without having to worry about financial instability.

Unfortunately, the factors determining which Pipeline one travels through (deficit or asset) often relate to a social identity that connects to poverty, gender, and race based on traditionally marginalized groups. 

The bottom line is the existence of deficit pipelines is an equity issue at its core. 

Pipelines become critical to examine because they reveal many interrelated systemic inequities rooted in exclusion, lack of diversity, injustice, racism, and limited opportunity & access. 

It has long been time to reroute such pipelines that lead to adverse outcomes for some and not others, yet every day, we wake up to the same reality. There is indeed still a lot of "dismantling" and healing that needs to occur. It's complex. Almost too complex. 

But one thing for sure is that change will not happen if we do not all engage in intentional and daily antiracist actions alongside adequate equity & belonging coaching, support, and development.

I.D.E.A. is for...

Inclusion

Diversity

Equity & Belonging

Anti-Racism

   & Access

Move over D.E.I.  It's time for a real I.D.E.A. for change.