Testimonials

Feedback on EDIDA Training for Students

Feedback on EDIDA Training for Staff and Faculty

Undergraduate Student Testimonial

“As a Western University student, please accept my deepest appreciation to you and everyone involved in nurturing inclusivity and anti-racism. The required training provided me with a fuller awareness, greater sensitivity, enhanced responsibility and a broader set of tools (and resources) to help me to better understand and behave in ways that promote inclusivity and anti-racism.”

Faculty Testimonial

“I have incorporated two of the online modules from the Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion into my course entitled “Striving for Equity: Policy and Practice” (Soc. 3350). At the time that I developed my course these were the only two modules that were available. Both are exceptionally well done and provide an important complement to the sociological material that I teach in my course. These modules offer a nice combination of theoretical and practical insights into racism and white privilege. As I develop the next iteration of my course, I will incorporate the newer modules so that students can gain important practical insights into a wider range of EDI-D topics. This combined with learning about how sociological concepts and theories inform the policy and practice of EDI-D, positions students well as they enter workforces that are increasingly centred on EDI-D outcomes.”

Dr. Julie McMullin, Professor, Department of Sociology, Western University

Staff Testimonial

"I am so encouraged by the students and how they have moved from awareness to commitment to learning, calling in, allying, and critically examining with an equity justice lens in multiple areas of their lives. I am thrilled about the ripple effect! I have encouraged them [graduate students] to learn about the EDID commitments of the companies, government, universities, and not-for-profit organizations where they will be working and to understand the impact of either this strategic commitment or lack of action. [...] All of this is because your team is doing incredible work and creating meaningful learning opportunities to effectively engage in equity and justice. Thank you for this and for supporting people across campus as we move forward in this work together!"

Pamela Doxtator, Cooperative Education Coordinator and Industry Liaison, Master of Environment and Sustainability Program (MES), Western University

Graduate Student Testimonial

"The Anti-Racism Foundations Program has been a transformative experience for me as a newcomer and international student. Through self-reflection and interactive workshops, I've gained valuable insights into fostering inclusivity. This program not only equipped me with practical skills for cultural understanding but also encouraged open dialogue, creating a more cohesive and respectful community. I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to a more inclusive workplace."

Instructor Testimonial

In 2025, Shahin Pardhan hosted workshops that provided the Western community with an introduction to the Islamic faith. Pardhan discussed prayer, fasting, pilgrimages, dress,holidays, dietary guidelines and investment rules, all aimed at fostering awareness and combating Islamophobia.

"Hosting the Sharing Islam workshops was deeply meaningful to me. It gave me a chance to share my faith and connect with others in a spirit of understanding. Seeing people eager to learn how to suppiort Muslim students and colleagues is a reminder of how powerful education can be in building belonging."

Shahin Pardhan, Assistant Professor (Business), Huron University

Community Testimonial

Launched in December 2024, 321 people have accessed the Unpacking and Addressing Antisemitism module, furthering demonstrating Western’s collective effort to combat antisemitism.

"This module offers tools to identify and respond to antisemitism on campus. It marks an important first step in what must be a larger effort in creating a campus environment where Jewish students feel genuinely safe, supported and respected."

Jacqueline Dressler, Senior Director of Advocacy, Hillel Ontario