Canadian academics to discuss equity, diversity and inclusion in academia in Laurier roundtable discussion

Oct. 30, 2020
For Immediate Release

WATERLOO – Wilfrid Laurier University is hosting Equity, Diversity, Inclusion: A Dialogue with Human Rights and Decolonization, the second in a two-part series on equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in academia, on Nov. 13. In this roundtable discussion, leading EDI thinkers from universities across Canada will explore how universities might put EDI in conversation with the long-standing human rights and anti-colonial struggles that have historically taken place on and beyond our campuses.

The discussion will take place Nov. 13 via Zoom. Panelists include:

• Sheila Cote-Meek, vice-president of equity, people and culture at York University
• Wesley Crichlow, professor of criminology and justice and associate dean equity chair of the President’s Equity Taskforce at Ontario Tech University
• Stephanie Simpson, associate vice-principal of human rights, equity and inclusion at Queen’s University
• Malinda Smith, vice-provost of equity, diversity and inclusion and professor of political science at the University of Calgary

The discussion will be moderated by Barrington Walker, Laurier’s associate vice-president: equity, diversity and inclusion.

“We are thrilled to have another impressive expert panel to discuss EDI in universities and many of the challenges that we face in pursuing this agenda as a university community,” said Walker.

Laurier introduced its action plan for equity, diversity, inclusion and Indigeneity earlier this year, which was developed as a concerted effort for the university to realize and hold itself accountable to its EDI goals. The plan outlines institution-wide strategies and initiatives based on research and consultations within the Laurier community.

The virtual roundtable will take place via Zoom Nov. 13 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. EST, including a 30-minute question-and-answer period. Registration is open to all, but space is limited. Registration is required. Once registered, participants will be provided with a virtual meeting link and instructions.