News
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at SFU: Spring Term in Review
Guided by the Equity Compass, SFU continues to work towards a more equitable, diverse and inclusive environment on all our campuses. Here is a snapshot of significant progress in EDI at SFU this past term.
Education and Capacity Building
Community of Practice
In February, the EDI Community of Practice (CoPr) celebrated its one-year anniversary. Members reflected on a year of learning from one another and the impact the CoPr is making on the SFU community, both at the unit and organizational level.
Inaugural Equity Forum
On April 29, the inaugural Equity Forum was held on the topic of intersections of climate action and social justice. The event brought the SFU community together into conversation led by Dr. Yabome Gilpin-Jackson, VP People, Equity and Inclusion and Dr. Dugan O’Neil, VP Research and Innovation.
This carefully designed and facilitated dialogue forum drew more than 70 participants with 50 in person and 24 joining online. Storytellers from the university who work at the intersection of climate action and social justice shared their stories with small groups of participants. The full group then discussed key learnings and insights that could influence our work and thinking moving forward as we address planetary health challenges. The event was hosted by the Centre for Dialogue and the EDI Community of Practice, in partnership with SFU Sustainability and the Planetary Health Research Group.
Inclusion and Belonging
EDI Legislation
SFU’s Accessibility Committee was established and the group began their work on an accessibility feedback mechanism for the university. The committee continues to engage the community through their online form and direct conversations as they gather feedback to better understand the community’s priorities and determine what to include in the SFU Accessibility Plan. Learn more and share your feedback: Accessibility Feedback
Resourcing
The Equity Office identified a plan to evaluate and improve supports and resources to address antisemitism and Islamophobia. An amendment to the Equity Compass and a timeline are included in the action items.
Additionally, the Equity Office and People Development teams collaborated to create a new page that outlines Mental Health and Well-Being Supports for Faculty and Staff. By prioritizing mental health and well-being, SFU aims to build a healthy and thriving community for all who live, work, teach and learn at SFU. Community members who are feeling anxious, burned out or stressed are encouraged to visit the new webpage for specific supports and resources to guide towards overall mental health and well-being.
Awareness-building Campaigns
Sexual Assault Awareness Month
As part of their ongoing work to prevent sexual violence, the SFU SVSPO hosted this annual event series to build awareness and educate the campus community. This year’s theme, “Masculinities for Humanity”, invited conversations on harmful gender norms to advocate for gender equity and the elimination of sexual violence.
The ACT (Affirm Compassion Together) campaign shared a vision of Inclusive Excellence at SFU, where all feel welcome, safe, accepted and valued. The campaign called on university community members to take “ACTions” to create a culture of compassion together and shared supports, resources and practical examples in working towards this vision.
Days of Significance
These Days of Significance were recognized across SFU, among many others celebrated and observed by the SFU community.
- Black History Month (February)
- International Women’s Day (March 8)
- International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (March 21)
- Earth Day (April 22)
Leadership and Governance
With the establishment of institution-wide EDI initiatives such as the Community of Practice and the Accessibility Committee, the EDI Advisory Council came to a close in February. At their final meeting, Joy Johnson shared her gratitude to the council for their four years of service including the foundational work to develop the VPPEI role and Equity Compass. Many council members will continue to support SFU’s EDI work through these new channels.
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.