The University of Waterloo’s Office of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Anti-Racism (EDI-R) was recognized for its leadership and partnership contributions to the Inter-Institutional Forum on Anti-Black Racism and Black Inclusion in Canadian Higher Education. The recognition, acknowledging Waterloo’s contributions in 2024, was presented at the biennial forumco-hosted by University of Ottawa and Carleton University in May 2026.
This national recognition celebrates institutions that demonstrate leadership through collaboration, knowledge sharing, and collective action to advance the commitments of the Scarborough Charter. It recognizes Waterloo’s role as a co-host of the 2024 Inter-Institutional Forum, which brought institutions from across Canada together in the Waterloo Region to advance the commitments of the Scarborough Charter through dialogue, collaboration, and shared learning. It reflects the University of Waterloo’s ongoing efforts to address anti-Black racism while creating the conditions for Black flourishing, inclusive excellence, mutuality, and accountability.
At the University of Waterloo, this work has included strengthening Black representation in institutional governance, establishing the Anti-Racism and Anti-Oppression unit within EDI-R to respond to anti-Black racism and support systemic change, and expanding anti-racism education and capacity-building initiatives across campus. The University has also developed programs that support Black student, faculty, and staff success, including the Black Excellence Orientation Series for newly appointed Black faculty, the Black Student Opportunities Fund, dedicated entrance awards for Black undergraduate students, and initiatives to advance equitable recruitment and representation.
More recently, the University has also strengthened opportunities for Black scholarship and community-engaged research through the Pan-African Initiative for Research (PAIR). As a Black-led interdisciplinary initiative, PAIR brings together scholars, students, and communities to advance research rooted in African and Afro-diasporic knowledge systems. By fostering reciprocal partnerships and centring Black knowledge, histories, and futures, PAIR embodies the Scarborough Charter’s vision of Black flourishing and transformative institutional change.
Community partnerships continue to be central to Waterloo’s approach. Initiatives such as Sankofa Pathways to University support local Black youth in navigating post-secondary education, while the University continue to support Black entrepreneurship and innovation through partnerships with initiatives such as Laterna Black Innovation Hub (LBIH).
“Being part of this year’s Inter-Institutional Forum was a powerful reminder that advancing Black inclusion is collective work,” said Jennisha Wilson, Director of Anti-Racism and Anti-Oppression “The opportunity to learn alongside Black scholars, students, staff, and leaders from institutions across Canada reinforced the importance of being in community with one another, sharing our experiences, celebrating our progress, and continuing to challenge ourselves toward deeper institutional transformation.”
The University of Waterloo’s continued participation in the Inter-Institutional Forum reflects a broader commitment to learning with and from institutions across Canada. Through collaboration, shared practices, and collective action, Waterloo continues to contribute to a future where Black students, faculty, staff, and communities can thrive.