Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Anti-Racism (EDI-R) Office

We’re here to work with students, faculty and staff to advance anti-racism and equity through evidence-based policies, practices and programs.

Our goals based on the 2022-2025 Strategic Plan

Goal 1: Lead and facilitate culture change

Goal 2: Ensure EDI-R leadership is centralized, accessible and accountable

Goal 3: Increase the sustainability of the EDI-R Unit on and off campus

An outline of a hand holding a blossoming plant

News, initiatives, and upcoming events

News

Today marks International Pronouns Day, an annual event that raises awareness on the importance of respecting and using individuals' chosen pronouns. Observed on the third Wednesday of October each year since its inception in 2018, the day encourages the proper use of pronouns and their role in affirming identities to create an inclusive society. 

To learn more about pronouns and how to use them respectfully, visit the Pronouns FAQ on the Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Anti-Racism website 

The Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Office (SVPRO) and the Office of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Anti-Racism (EDI-R) are excited to announce the launch of a new intake form designed to enhance support for campus community members. Available through both the SVPRO and EDI-R websites, this form streamlines the process for requesting direct service, consultation, or education, among others.

The intake form collects essential information upfront to expedite initial intake processes and enhance our ability to address campus community needs

As part of our new case management system, Simplicity Advocate, the intake form is integrated with a secure, user-friendly platform designed for higher education institutions. This system helps manage student concerns, conduct issues, and well-being while ensuring confidentiality. Access to submitted forms is strictly limited to those managing the intake process, safeguarding the privacy of all individuals involved.Confidentiality remains a top priority, and we are committed to maintaining a secure, trusted environment for all users.

The introduction of this intake form marks a significant step forward in providing a more seamless, inclusive, and responsive service to the campus community. 

For any questions, comments, or feedback, please contact us at svpro@uwaterloo.ca 

Access the form here. 

The Office of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Anti-Racism are hosting sessions for 2SLGBTQIA+ students, faculty and staff with special attention for those who identify as Two-Spirit, Trans, Non-Binary, and Gender Non-Conforming (2STNBGNC+). These insights will play a vital role in shaping the new Trans & Queer Equity Strategy for our University.

Events

Tuesday, October 22, 2024 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm EDT (GMT -04:00)

Pride at WORK event: Rendez-Vous: 2SLGBTQIA+ Women x Non-Binary Digital Connect [EN & FR]

Tuesday, October 22, 2024, from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM EDT – This is a free online networking event for 2SLGBTQIA+ women and non-binary people.

Pride at Work Canada has been bringing 2SLGBTQIA+ women and non-binary* professionals and job seekers together for years. As many 2SLGBTQIA+ women and non-binary people don’t feel safe in many professional networking spaces, Rendez-Vous: 2SLGBTQIA+ Women x Non-Binary Digital Connect creates a unique opportunity for 2SLGBTQIA+ women and non-binary people to make professional connections in a casual and comfortable setting – from anywhere!

*Pride at Work Canada understands that these terms may not resonate with everyone and endeavours to include all those who do not identify as men. This includes trans women, cis women, non-binary folks, agender folks, and more. We also host Matrices: Trans, Non-Binary & Agender Digital Connect to those who would prefer a trans, non-binary, and agender specific space.

During the session, we will embrace a peer networking approach to learning, where attendees will engage in open discussions, exchange experiences, and provide mutual support. Participants will take part in multiple breakout sessions, while building meaningful connections with other professionals and job seekers. We’ll then reconvene as a group to share reflections and conclude the event with a collaborative discussion.

Bilingualism: At this event, there will be a Francophone breakout room, and automated French captioning will be available.

Help us make Rendez-Vous a safer event! All attendees will be provided with a set of community guidelines prior to the event that they will be expected to read and honour. Discussion facilitators will be present in our breakout rooms, and there will be a BIPOC-specific breakout room, as well as a non-binary specific breakout room, for folks who wish to join that space.

Who should attend?
The purpose of this event is to provide space for folks who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+ women or non-binary. There is no desire to monitor anyone’s gender or create barriers to entry. If you come to this event you will be welcome. While the support of people who identify as allies to 2SLGBTQIA+ women and non-binary people and communities is always appreciated, please remember that the best support sometimes comes in the form of leaving space for people to connect around their shared identities and lived experiences.

Who can answer my questions about the event?
Please direct questions about this event to Templeton Sawyer (he/him), Leaderships Program Coordinator at templeton.sawyer@prideatwork.ca. You may also contact events@prideatwork.ca with questions about registrations and any Pride at Work Canada events and activities.

Accessibility:

  • Captioning will be provided by 3 Play Media Canada
  • English to French automated captioning
  • If you have any accessibility requests please email events@prideatwork.ca with requests by Tuesday, October 15, 2024
Friday, October 25, 2024 2:30 pm - 4:00 pm EDT (GMT -04:00)

NEURODIVERSITY AND INCLUSION: A PANEL DISCUSSION

HOSTED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF KNOWLEDGE INTEGRATION AND THE ANTI-OPPRESSION KNOWLEDGE INTEGRATORS

Friday October 25, 2024

2:30 - 4 PM, EV2 2002, University of Waterloo