The Scarborough Charter is a national commitment to address anti-Black racism and advance Black inclusion in Canadian higher education through concrete principles, actions and accountabilities. Developed through dialogue led by the University of Toronto Scarborough in 2020, it was adopted in 2021, with the University of Waterloo among its first signatories. Its membership has since grown to 62 institutions across Canada.
Learn more about the progress the Charter is making by visiting their website: Scarborough Charter
Advancing the Scarborough Charter through action
Since becoming a signatory to the Scarborough Charter in 2021, Waterloo has worked alongside more than 50 post-secondary institutions across Canada to advance meaningful action against anti-Black racism and strengthen Black inclusion in higher education. This national recognition highlights Waterloo’s contributions to collaboration, knowledge sharing and collective action, including its role as a co-host of the 2024 Inter-Institutional Forum, which brought members from across the country to engage in dialogue, collaboration and shared learning practices, while reinforcing the collective impact.
The honour reflects Waterloo's ongoing commitment to addressing anti-Black racism and fostering Black flourishing, inclusive excellence, mutuality and accountability across campus and beyond. Through initiatives that amplify Black voices, cultivate community partnerships and address systemic barriers, Waterloo is creating an environment where Black students, faculty, staff and researchers are empowered to thrive, lead and succeed.
Black Flourishing
Through the President's Anti-Racism Taskforce (PART), Waterloo continues to advance changes across policies, practices and campus environments. The Office of EDI-R has strengthened collaboration through cross-campus networks, including the EDI-R Community of Practice (formerly Program Area Leads), helping build institutional capacity and shared accountability for addressing anti-Black racism. Leadership opportunities such as the Student Ambassador Program ensure Black student voices help shape the office’s priorities and decision-making, creating meaningful pathways for participation, leadership and change.
Inclusive excellence
Recognizing that diverse perspectives and lived experiences drive excellence in teaching, research, innovation and community, the University continues to celebrate Black scholars, leadership and innovation through programming, public events, strategic partnerships and institutional communications.
Efforts to embed Anti-Black racism considerations into institutional planning, consultations and decision-making processes, are helping create more inclusive environments where individuals can succeed and reach their full potential. Programs and initiatives such as the Black Excellence Orientation Series for newly appointed Black faculty, the Black Student Opportunities Fund, dedicated entrance awards for Black undergraduate students and equitable recruitment initiatives help foster inclusive environments and expand pathways to academic and professional success.
Mutuality
Community partnership remains central to Waterloo's approach. The University has cultivated reciprocal relationships with Black community organizations, researchers, institutional partners and Pan-African collaborators to ensure community voices help shape research, programming and institutional priorities.
Initiatives such as Sankofa Pathways to University support local Black youth in navigating post-secondary education, while partnerships with organizations such as Laterna Black Innovation Hub (LBIH) create opportunities for entrepreneurship and innovation and community engagement that extend beyond campus.
Accountability
The establishment of EDI-R’s Anti-Racism and Anti-Oppression unit has strengthened the University's capacity to address to anti-Black racism, support systemic change and expand anti-racism education.
Through PART, the Office provides transparent reporting on recommendations, milestones and outcomes while fostering cross-unit collaboration and continuous improvement. In addition, ongoing knowledge mobilization and outreach engagement with students, faculty, staff and community partners, ensure that lived experiences continue to inform institutional priorities and help measure progress toward meaningful, lasting change.
Advancing Black-centred research and global partnerships
Beyond campus, the Pan-African Initiative for Research (PAIR) creates new opportunities for Black-centred, interdisciplinary research, mentorship, entrepreneurship and international collaboration. By connecting scholars, students and communities across Canada, Africa and the global African diaspora, PAIR is helping elevate Black-led research while advancing African and Afro-diasporic knowledge exchange and innovation.