Join the conversation and get involved
As Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±½á¹û²éѯ continues the strategic planning process, you will see the theme of equity, diversity, inclusion and social justice (EDISJ) being affirmed as a cultural foundation for the institution.
EDISJ values have been inherent in the work of many members of the institution who have contributed through learning and teaching, research, lived personal and professional standards, and through activities such as work with the Positive Space Committee, the Sexual Violence Committee, the Indigenization Task Force, the Mental Health and Wellness Committee, Enactus Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±½á¹û²éѯ, and so many other initiatives.
Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±½á¹û²éѯ is taking the next step in the EDISJ journey to be more intentional in embedding these principles in everything we do. Through this journey, there are opportunities to engage in a variety of conversations and activities to expand awareness of what it means to build our institution’s future where we:
- Commit to grow our understanding of EDISJ and demonstrate how we value diversity in our personal and professional lives as members of the Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±½á¹û²éѯ learning community;
- Are dedicated to ensuring all feel welcomed, included and have a sense of belonging;
- Recognize and mitigate our bias;
- Embrace diversity and adopt inclusive hiring practices;
- Facilitate inclusive environments;
- Identify barriers to access and inclusion and find ways to eliminate them;
- Understand the role of disability and sustainability in the work of EDISJ;
- Challenge ourselves and each other to be the stewards of global citizenship.
Whether through learning, teaching, mentorship, research or service, we each have a critical role to play. Your stories of experiences, perspectives, efforts and activities are essential to set a course for EDISJ going forward.
Reports
- EDISJ Project Group Report (Oct. 2022)
Definitions
Equity
Equity is the concept of fairness, acceptance and belonging.
In defining equity, the difference between "equality" and "equity" must be emphasized. Although both promote fairness, equality achieves this through treating everyone the same regardless of circumstances. Equity acknowledges systemic power and privilege, and redistributes resources to identify and address the obstacles, barriers and biases that limit access and opportunities. Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±½á¹û²éѯ seeks to create conditions that allow everyone to reach their full potential through building confidence and celebrating accomplishments.
Diversity
Diversity acknowledges that each person is unique and their individual differences are respected.
To embrace diversity means we must recognize that personal, cultural and institutionalized discrimination shapes and provides privileges for some while creating and perpetuating disadvantages for others.
Diversity includes different ways of being, ways of knowing and embracing intersecting identities. Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±½á¹û²éѯ understands and respects different qualities of lived experiences and cultural expression, as part of our commitment to accessibility.
Inclusion
Inclusion is an organizational effort and practice ensuring different groups and/or individuals having different backgrounds are culturally and socially accepted and welcomed.
Inclusion is the full and authentic membership in the Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±½á¹û²éѯ community for all people. It is a continuous and ongoing process that requires active participation. This requires the intentional creation of environments where systematically disadvantaged individuals or groups feel welcome, safe, respected and valued in any of their activities and as a part of the community.
Social justice
Social justice is the recognition that systems were built to perpetuate the power and influence of select groups or individuals and will continue to do so without conscious effort to actively break down these systems.
At Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±½á¹û²éѯ, all community members are responsible for creating a just organization, where people looking to learn, share and work at the institution can all benefit equitably from these social systems and power structures. Social justice also recognizes that the responsibility for creating a more diverse, equitable and inclusive world goes beyond Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±½á¹û²éѯ and extends to the community. The call for social justice is answered when Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±½á¹û²éѯ's role as a place of learning and innovation expands to improve the lives of people who face systemic obstacles to full and equal participation in the College and community.
Mental health supports
We recognize that engaging with EDISJ topics and activities may be challenging for members of the Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±½á¹û²éѯ Community. If you need support, please don't hesitate to reach out:
Employees
Employees can access support through the College’s Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP).
Students
- Visit the Counseling Services page to book an appointment with a Counselor at Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±½á¹û²éѯ.
- 24/7 mental health support is available via Province's .
- The KUU-US Crisis Line Society provides a First Nations and Indigenous specific crisis line available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, toll-free from anywhere in British Columbia: 1-800-588-8717, .
Get involved
EDISJ Workshops
EDISJ at Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±½á¹û²éѯ will periodically offer the opportunity for members of the Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±½á¹û²éѯ Community to participate in workshops that can increase your knowledge about EDISJ topics or provide you with the skills to navigate unfamiliar situations. Stay tuned for registration.
Provide your input
If you have any comments or concerns regarding EDISJ at Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±½á¹û²éѯ please share your thoughts by using the button below.
News and notices
In honor of Black History Month in Canada, the International Education Department, in collaboration with the African Caribbean Student Association…
Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±½á¹û²éѯ is committed to embedding the principles of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Social Justice (EDISJ) in everything we do. Through…
Sept. 11, 2023
Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±½á¹û²éѯ is excited to announce that it has entered into an agreement with the Canadian Centre for Diversity and…