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About Us
We aim to amplify diverse voices and help build a more equitable and inclusive Western community.
About Us
We aim to amplify diverse voices and help build a more equitable and inclusive Western community.
About Us
We aim to amplify diverse voices and help build a more equitable and inclusive Western community.
The Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion is guided by the four EDI commitments outlined in Western’s strategic plan, Towards Western at 150, which emphasizes core values such as Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Excellence, Innovation, and Citizenship.
Our Objectives
- Create a welcoming and inclusive campus community
- Increase diversity and equity in Western’s workforce and student population
- Invest to combat racism and all forms of discrimination
- Engage diverse Western communities
1: Create a welcoming and inclusive space
“The Office of EDI at Western continues to foster inviting spaces on campus through the promotion of authentic collaboration, the cultivation of knowledge and growth and a strong investment in student voices and well-being. Whether through powerful panel sessions that uplift diverse communities, innovative workshops that encourage reconciliation and resilience or cultural experiences that engage students through food, music and film, Western’s campus is enriched by their unwavering commitment to community and empathy.”
Naomi Ngobila
Recent Western Graduate
2: Increase diversity and equity in Western’s workforce and student population
“As a colleague in the Office of Indigenous Initiatives (OII) at Western, I’ve seen how collaboration between our offices is opening space for more diverse voices. With similar objectives and shared work in decolonization, these efforts are making our campus more welcoming and inclusive. While there is always more to be done, it’s encouraging to witness this transformation in both our workforce and student community.”
Melinda Moradipour
Administrative Coordinator
3: Invest in combating racism and all forms of discrimination
“Over the past year, I’ve seen how the Office of EDI’s leadership and collaboration across campus have helped us challenge and confront racism and discrimination at Western. Through inclusive residence programming, staff development and student engagement, we’re building a community where equity is a shared responsibility. I’mproud to support this work and the progress we’re making together.”
Chris Alleyne
Associate Vice-President (Housing & Ancillary Services)
4: Engage the diverse Western community
“Being able to meaningfully and effectively integrate EDI principles and practices, in the classroom, in the workplace and in society,remains a challenge, both at Western, and beyond. Western has made important inroads in this area, but the ongoing nature of this work requires a continuing commitment to ensuring EDI principles guide and inform the work we do here.”
Dr. Susan Knabe
Acting Dean of the Faculty of Information and Media Studies (FIMS),
Associate Dean, Undergraduate, FIMS
Definitions
Equity refers to the process of redistributing resources and providing access to equal opportunities for success. Equity works towards eliminating all forms of discrimination and oppression to strive for reconciliation and promote anti-racism.
Diversity is the presence of a wide variety of backgrounds, perspectives, experiences, abilities and spaces within the Western community. It includes, but is not limited to, age, education, sexuality, Indigenous status, religion, ability, race, ethnicity and socio-economic status. Diversity without inclusion is futile.
Inclusion is an active, intentional and consistent practice of creating a welcoming environment that nurtures a strong sense of belonging and distinctiveness while implementing equitable policies and processes. By practicing inclusivity, every individual is supported to reach their fullest potential and feels respected and valued.
History
The creation of the Office of EDI comes from the recommendations of the final report of the Anti-Racism Working Group (ARWG) launched in 2020, which made a series of recommendations accepted by Western in 2020. This report highlighted several recommendations for:
- Institutional Policy Response and Action
- Policy, Structures and Leadership
- Institutional Communications
- Data Collection, Analysis and Reporting
- Hiring and Supports
- Curriculum, Education, Training and Programming
- Scholarships
Based on these recommendations, the Office of EDI and the collective Western community is focused on working towards social justice, sustainability and combating structural inequities in society and in university education.