The Faculty of Mathematics’ Equity and Inclusive Communities (E&IC) Principles set intentions for how the Faculty engages in its work. By aligning the activities of the Faculty with the E&IC principles, we set a foundation for advancing human rights, equity, diversity, and inclusion, including active institutional efforts to support accessibility (including neurodiversity), anti-racism, decolonization, gender equity, Indigenization, and promoting a sense of belonging for everyone. We use the term “communities” to reflect that the Faculty of Mathematics is part of the University of Waterloo and other external communities, and in recognition of the diverse communities that exist within our Faculty.
The E&IC principles guide individuals, leadership, and governance toward a more equitable and inclusive Faculty, as they are increasingly integrated into day-to-day roles and responsibilities. These principles are meant to motivate, support, and inspire action and should be considered collectively – no one principle is more important than another and all principles are linked.
The E&IC principles were drafted through extensive consultations within the Faculty of Mathematics and through active co-creation with members of Waterloo’s Office of Indigenous Relations and the Centre for Teaching Excellence’s Indigenous Knowledges and Anti-Racist Pedagogies Unit. The E&IC principles reflect how the sovereignty of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis (FNIM)1 peoples in Canada distinguish general equity and inclusion work from work with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. When describing the principles, a description of how the principles are applied when working with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples (both within and outside the Faculty) is reflected in its own column (when applicable).
Do you have any questions about our Equity and Inclusive Communities Principles? If so, feel free to visit our Frequently Asked Questions page. We also have prepared a Glossary for the terms used in our principles (you will need to sign-in with your Waterloo ID to access).
Last Revised: August 16th, 2023
These Principles are scheduled to be reviewed at regular intervals, at least every 5 years.
1 The Faculty of Mathematics acknowledges that Indigenous people are not a monolith - the experiences of Indigenous peoples vary significantly across the globe. Our principles centre our commitment to Truth and Reconciliation with First Nations, Métis, and Inuit folk, and this is reflected in the language chosen in our principles. We recognize that First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities, groups, and individuals themselves are numerous, diverse, and have unique needs and perspectives. The complex history of First Nations people in Canada has led to the use of additional labels being applied to individuals, such as status, non-status, on reserve, and off reserve. Our use of First Nations is meant to be inclusive of all such labels.