Reduce inequality within and among countries

Equity, diversity and inclusion at sfu

Learn about the university’s EDI priorities, commitments and some of the people behind the work.

• Equity Compass – is a strategic framework outlining the focus for SFU’s institutional equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) work over the next five years (2023-2028) to help build an SFU where all can thrive. The Equity Compass upholds all of SFU’s values as noted in our What’s Next: The SFU Strategy but in particular operationalizes the value of equity and belonging.
• People Plan – SFU's people are central to the university’s academic mission and success. Together, faculty members and staff uniquely fulfill the academic mission by delivering and supporting leading-edge research and teaching the leaders of tomorrow. Over the past few years, SFU has received a significant amount of feedback and has made commitments to advance opportunities that foster an environment where people can do their best work. To acknowledge that, SFU’s People Plan, a blueprint for transforming the faculty and staff experience was created. The Plan is a clear and practical framework, designed to listen to the needs of the SFU community and support the delivery of our academic mission.
• EDI Advisory Council – The mandate of SFU’s EDI Advisory Council is to strengthen our commitment to fostering inclusive workplaces and learning environments, and equitable opportunities for all.
  

Learn more about the SFU Equity Office

Engagement

Black History Month 2022

February was celebrated as Black History Month in 2022. This year, across the university we celebrate Black history, culture and contributions to SFU—find a guide to activities at SFU and in the local community below. Many events took place during this time.

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#BreakTheBias: International Women’s Day 2022

This year’s global theme for International Women’s Day is “Break the Bias.” From environmentalism to public health, education to policy and more, breaking the bias asks us to challenge given norms, expectations and assumptions in our lives. In celebration of International Women’s Day 2022, we asked leaders, influencers and changemakers from across the university to talk about what this theme means to them and in their work.

Read their Stories

Celebrating Ramadan in 2022

Ramadan Mubarak to the Muslim community members at SFU! The Multifaith Centre had shared a series of tips for those observing Ramadan and for those who wish to support them.

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Asian Heritage Month 2022

May marks Asian Heritage Month in Canada. Learn about the many events that took place this month celebrating Asian heritage, culture and experience, and connect with the Asian community at SFU.

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How to plan accessible and inclusive events: A new guide from SFU Ceremonies and Events

As in-person events return to campus, it’s a great time for event planners to refresh their equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) knowledge and practices. Not sure where to start? Discover the new EDI Checklist for Events, developed by William Chan-Gill, data analyst, Nicole Taylor-Sterritt, former manager, Indigenous Events Protocol and the team in SFU Ceremonies and Events (C&E).

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Research, Teaching and Learning

SFU Beedie Professor June Francis selected to chair BC’s new anti-racism data committee

June Francis, professor of marketing at SFU’s Beedie School of Business, has been selected to lead B.C.’s new anti-racism data committee, signaling another major stride in her efforts to advocate for anti-racism in British Columbia and make the province a more inclusive place. Out of 160 applicants to join the committee, 11 were selected, with Francis appointed chair of the committee.

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Two SFU community members named to 100 Black Women to Watch in Canada

Balqees Jama, an undergraduate student, and Yabome Gilpin-Jackson, vice-president people, equity and inclusion, received the award, founded in 2015, to highlight Black women in Canada who have excelled in service to their communities.

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Facts and Figures

• 447 research publications relating to SDG 10, 2017-2022 (source: SciVal)
• 378 research projects related to SDG 10 were funded from 2017 - 2022
• 13 courses relating to SDG 10, representing 2,157 students, offered between the 2018/19 and 2020/21 academic years

Operations

HEALTH AND COUNSELLING SUPPORT

Group counselling is a great way to find support for issues that are impacting you. This helps create a more inclusive space for SFU’s community members. Support groups include 2SLGBTQIA+ questioning group, healing space and Black student support.

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‘A Home Away from Home': SFU Welcomes Announcement of First Peoples' Gathering House

Plans for a ceremonial space for the SFU community to celebrate Indigenous knowledge and culture are underway. SFU’s First Peoples’ Gathering House will open on SFU’s Burnaby campus in 2023.

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Equity, Diversity and Inclusion advisory council

The mandate of the EDI Advisory Council is to develop an aspirational vision for EDI at SFU that will guide and strengthen our commitment to fostering inclusive workplaces and learning environments, and equitable opportunities for all. 

Specific responsibilities of the Advisory Council are to provide advice and guidance to the President on the following: 

• developing an aspirational vision statement for EDI at SFU high-level;
• strategic reflections on EDI-related priorities;
• communication strategies and outreach;
• data collection and analysis;
• programs and policies;
• opportunities and systemic barriers; and
• university responsibilities.

Learn more about SFU’s ongoing commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion