EDI-R hosts the Vice Chancellor from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka
Living in a diverse environment is more than grabbing shawarma from the corner shop or dancing to Caribbean music at a summer festival. Our introduction to different cultures may begin there—but it shouldn’t end there. Diversity isn’t a playlist or a plate. It’s people
The Trans and Non-Binary Equity Strategy was informed and co-created by members of our 2SLGBTQIA+ communities—students, staff, and faculty who showed deep courage in sharing their experiences and speaking up in the hope of sustainable change. They didn’t just point to problems—they helped imagine solutions. They spoke up not only for themselves, but for those who couldn’t, or didn’t feel safe enough to. That is leadership. That is community in action.
Muslims across the globe are celebrating the Holy month of Ramadan this March. Ramadan began in Canada on March 1, 2025, and many members of the University of Waterloo Muslim community are observing this month of fasting and prayers.
What is Ramadan/ Ramzan about?
Ramadan/ Ramzan is a sacred month for the Muslim faith, where those observing it refrain from any food and water from dawn to sunset. This would translate to 12.5-hours to 14-hours long fasts (accounting for the varying sunrise and sunset times through the course of this month). Muslims dedicate the month (which can be 29 or 30 days long) to fasting, charity, spiritual reflection, seeking forgiveness and bonding with community. They often engage in long late-night prayers. Most people understand that Muslims may be a little low on energy during the day, but most don’t know that they also might be sleep-deprived
Fostering belonging and inclusion for the Muslim community on campus
In keeping with University of Waterloo’s values of inclusivity and working together, here are some practices that foster the feeling of belonging within the Muslim community on campus.
On January 18, the Princess Twin Cinema became the stage for an interactive screening of Stephen King’s 'Carrie,' marking a unique approach to sparking conversations around menstruation and challenging societal taboos. The event was hosted by the Office of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Anti Racism, the Women’s Centre and Changing the Flow, and was a captivating intersection of horror cinema and societal discourse.