School of Architecture

The School of Architecture is committed to increasing understanding and addressing systemic barriers to equity, inclusion, and decolonization in all facets of its operations. We are committed to removing barriers for Black, Indigenous peoples and people of colour, individuals in the 2SLGBTQ+ communities, women, persons with disabilities, and people in financial need. We recognize that diverse voices and perspectives enrich our teaching, learning and research, and we are committed to support these voices and perspectives. Placing equity and environmental justice at the core of everything we do, we work to advance inclusion and sustainability in our curriculum, policies, practices, spaces and operations. We are committed to creating a School where everyone belongs, where we all work toward equity, and strive for a culture of authentic inclusion, even when it is complex and challenging. 

The School of Architecture Racial Equity and Environmental Justice (REEJ) Task Force was established in summer 2020, in the wake of the murder of George Floyd and in response to renewed calls by different groups within and outside the school to address racism. The REEJ Task Force was mandated to look across different areas of the school to make recommendations to changes and commitments towards equity and environmental justice.  The REEJ Plan, included below, is shared as a living document that charts the work ahead so that we collectively take it as our responsibility to place equity and environmental justice at the core of everything we do. The Plan is in two volumes:

Volume 1. Commitments to Racial Equity and Environmental Justice 

Volume 2. Plan for Implementation

These documents represent the work of the Task Force, its Advisory Board, and the Working Groups that were brought together in November and December 2020 to address specific sections of the plan. It also includes input from students, staff and faculty made either through the community survey (August and September 2020), the all-school meetings (June 9 and September 29 2020), or through the school’s anonymous feedback form. After the presentation of the Commitments to Change in May 2021, the School of Architecture established a Racial Equity and Environmental Justice Standing Committee. In November 2021, faculty and staff at the School of Architecture formally voted to accept the REEJ plan and to move forward with School-wide work towards these commitments.

To keep up to date on REEJ progress, visit REEJ Standing Committee Monthly Reports.