Media advisory: Wilfrid Laurier University to sign Scarborough Charter on anti-Black racism and Black inclusion

Nov. 12, 2021
For Immediate Release

Waterloo – Wilfrid Laurier University will join over 40 universities and colleges across the country in signing the Scarborough Charter on Anti-Black Racism and Black Inclusion in Canadian Higher Education at a virtual event Nov. 18.

The Scarborough Charter is an initiative stemming from the National Dialogues and Action and its national forums focused on equity and inclusion in Canadian post-secondary institutions.

The results of the forums on anti-Black racism and Black inclusion aided in the development of the charter, which commits participating institutions to redressing anti-Black racism and fostering Black inclusion and guides them on actions related to four principles: Black flourishing, inclusive excellence, mutuality and accountability.

Laurier’s Associate Vice-President of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Barrington Walker is a member of the inter-institutional advisory committee for the national dialogues and action for inclusive higher education and communities and a member of the drafting subcommittee that created the charter.

By signing the charter, Laurier is taking another step to address systemic discrimination and racism outlined in Laurier’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and Indigeneity Action Plan and reflected in the Laurier Strategy.

Further details will be shared in a news release on Nov. 18.

Media are welcome to join the signing event, which will include:

• Video message from Laurier’s President and Vice-Chancellor Deborah MacLatchy and other participating post-secondary institution presidents
• Remarks from panelists
• Question-and-answer period

Date: Thursday, Nov. 18
Time: 3 p.m. EST
Location: Zoom (registration is required before Nov. 15).