Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at SFU: March 2024 in Review

SFU continues to work towards a more equitable, diverse and inclusive environment on all our campuses for all individuals. Here is a snapshot of EDI at SFU in March.   

2023 Staff Achievement Award: Equity and Belonging Recipients

Each year, the Staff Achievement Awards recognize outstanding staff who embody SFU values and have made notable efforts towards transforming the SFU experience. 2023 saw two recipients awarded in the category of Equity & Belonging. Delia Chitiroga (office coordinator for facilities services) and Gloria Chu (director of ceremonies and events) both exemplified strong advocacy for equity and belonging, working to create an inclusive, supportive and affirming community at SFU where all can thrive. Congratulations Delia and Gloria! Read more about the Staff Achievement Award recipients here.

Update on Scarborough Charter

On May 9 and 10, the University of Waterloo and Wilfrid Laurier University will be hosting the 2024 Inter-Institutional Forum of the Scarborough Charter on Anti-Black Racism and Black Inclusion in Canadian Higher Education. The forum’s theme for 2024 is Bridging Black: Building Connections for Black Flourishing, with the intention of bridging the gaps in learning and action and building better connections between different stakeholders at higher education institutions – senior administration, faculty, staff, students and neighbouring Black communities. You can learn more about the forum here.  

Days of Significance  

International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (March 21)

SFU also recognized several important occasions and events. These included: 

• Several significant dates for faith communities throughout March including Maha Shivaratri, the start of Ramadan, Nowruz, Purim and Easter. To learn more, please visit the Multifaith Centre website
• International Women’s Day, with this year’s theme of Inspiring Inclusion, was celebrated on March 8. Writing for Times Higher Education Campus, President Joy Johnson shared her career journey and experience as a woman in leadership to illustrate how embracing difference can #InspireInclusion for everyone. Read the article here. 
• International Francophonie Day on March 20: Now in its 14th year, the Printemps de la francophonie is a key event for the Office of Francophone and Francophile Affairs (OFFA), helping to promote the French language and francophone cultures at SFU and in the community. This event is also an integral part of the OFFA mission to “organize cultural and scientific activities within the community to foster a plural and inclusive Francophonie”.
• SFU Spirit Day on March 13 to celebrate our community and contribute to a sense of unity and belonging for all. 
• Self-Harm Awareness Day on March 1; World Water Day took place on March 22; March 25 marked the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade; and March 31 marks International Transgender Day of Visibility. 

Mental Health and Well-being Supports and Resources for Faculty and Staff

SFU is committed to proactively fostering a psychologically safe environment, emphasizing individual and collective well-being for faculty and staff across the university. By prioritizing mental health and well-being, we aim to build/create (as foster is used in first line) a healthy and thriving community for all who live, work, teach and learn at SFU. If you or a colleague are feeling anxious, burned out or stressed, or struggling with sudden life changes that are impacting your ability to find balance, visit the new webpage for specific supports and resources to guide you towards overall mental health and well-being.

EDI-related supports are available  

SFU is committed to creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive community for all. Important work is being undertaken by our Equity Office to ensure that SFU is a safe and welcoming space for all students, faculty and staff, including actively updating and sharing resources for those experiencing antisemitism or Islamophobia. Please see our list of identity-based supports and reach out if you need help. For all other supports, please visit our community supports page.