(University of Lethbridge)

By Justin Goulet

U of L joins National Dialogue series on inclusion and equity

Sep 22, 2020 | 10:22 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The University of Lethbridge is joining the University of Toronto and other post-secondary schools across the country to facilitate a national conversation on equity and inclusion.

The National Dialogues series will include forums across Canada focused on addressing issues of inclusion and equity in colleges and universities in the country.

“We are a diverse campus community, with students, faculty and staff from around the world. This diversity is one of our great strengths, benefitting all of our activities from teaching and research to campus life and community initiatives.” stated Dr. Mike Mahon, the U of L’s president and vice-chancellor, in a release.

“We take the responsibility of providing a welcoming environment to all very seriously and embrace the opportunity to further participate in a dialogue that demands greater diversity and inclusivity throughout the post-secondary system and in our communities as a whole.”

The first session will focus on anti-Black racism and Black inclusion in higher education. It will take place on Thursday, October 1 and Friday, October 2 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (MT).

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Registration for the first National Dialogues event is free and can be done here. You can take part in the session online.

Over the two days, participants will be able to choose from nine interactive online dialogues. Those will feature different panelists.

“The University will focus not only on the disadvantaged as the point of intervention. We will also concentrate our efforts on the structures and policies that disadvantage,” said Dr. Erasmus Okine, provost and vice-president (academic) at the U of L.

The U of L noted that the outcome of these discussions will inform the creation of a charter of principles and commitments.

Those will support the implementation of different actions identified during the dialogues and will help sustain “an enduring culture against anti-black racism and in support of black inclusion.”

“These are extremely important conversations for the post-secondary sector and in our communities as a whole. By taking part in these National Dialogues, we are committed to enacting meaningful change that will enhance diversity and inclusion at all levels of post-secondary education,” added Dr. Mahon.

“We also see this as an opportunity to then bring this conversation forward, into our communities, as leaders of change for the betterment of all.”

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