Laurier brings together Canadian academics to discuss equity, diversity and inclusion at universities

Oct. 7, 2020
For Immediate Release

WATERLOO – Wilfrid Laurier University is bringing together leading university-based equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) thinkers from across Canada for a public discussion about pursuing EDI at all levels in academic institutions. Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and the Challenges Facing Universities: A Roundtable Discussion will take place Oct. 15 via Zoom.

Panelists will discuss how EDI leaders can generate concrete strategies for universities, as large complex entities, to respond to escalating calls for change – calls which have been catalyzed by the global COVID-19 pandemic and continent-wide civil unrest.

Panelists include:

• Tamari Kitossa, associate professor of sociology, Brock University
• Minelle Mahtani, senior advisor on racialized faculty, senior advisor provost and associate professor at the Institute for Social Justice, University of British Columbia    
• Carl James, senior advisor, EDI and professor, Jean Augustine chair in education, community and diaspora, York University
• Arig al Shaibah, associate vice-president, equity and inclusion and adjunct faculty sociology, McMaster University    

"We are tremendously excited to have these experts speaking about EDI-related issues and the challenges that are facing universities,” said Barrington Walker, Laurier’s associate vice-president: equity, diversity and inclusion and history professor who will be moderating the discussion. “We are looking forward to a fantastic exchange between these leading figures.

“We will ask ourselves how we can purposefully and substantively respond to critics to show that anti-oppressive and anti-colonial transformation can take place in institutions of higher learning.”

Laurier introduced its action plan for equity, diversity, inclusion and Indigeneity earlier this year, which was developed as a concerted effort for the university to realize and hold itself accountable to its EDI goals. The plan outlines institution-wide strategies and initiatives based on research and consultations within the Laurier community.

The virtual Zoom roundtable will take place Oct. 15 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. EST including a 30-minute Q&A period. Registration is open to all, but space is limited. Please RSVP in advance. Once registered, participants will be provided with a virtual meeting link and instructions. Please email troswell@wlu.ca with questions.