Objective 1: Build and enhance competency in EDI-R across campus

Launched in 2024 and developed by Dr. Kathy Hogarth (Wilfrid Laurier) and Dr. Jada Koushik (Family and Children's Services of the Region of the Waterloo) in collaboration with the Office of the Associate Vice-President, Academic and the Centre for Extended Learning, the Anti-Racism and Anti-Oppression (ARAO) Training is a foundational, self-directed online course that aims to deepen understanding of race, racism, anti-racism, and anti-oppression through both theoretical learning and practical application.

Comprised of five interactive modules and accompanying quizzes, the ARAO Training explores critical topics such as privilege, whiteness, microaggressions, and strategies for putting anti-racism and anti-oppression frameworks into action. It also includes reflective exercises that encourage participants to examine their own social positions and the ways in which race operates as a social construct in Canada.

Aligned with Recommendation 6 of the President’s Anti-Racism Taskforce (PART) report, the course reflects the University’s commitment to equity and accountability. It offers participants an opportunity to build a shared language and framework to support inclusive practices across campus.

Prior to its public release in May 2024, the training was piloted with members of the University’s Executive Council, at the request of the President and Provost, as well as within the Faculty of Health, where participant feedback was incorporated to improve the learning experience.

Since its launch, 530+ individuals have completed the course, signaling strong interest in introductory-level equity education and a growing commitment across campus to build more inclusive environments. The course takes approximately 3–4 hours to complete and is open to all members of the university community.

To register, visit Self Registration on LEARN.

A carefully curated collection of visually engaging infographics exploring key topics related to equity and anti-racism have been developed to support ongoing education and spark meaningful dialogue. The resources are designed to distill complex ideas into accessible formats – bridging the gap between theory and action. From overlooked historical narratives to contemporary frameworks for justice, these tools promote awareness, reflection, and informed decision-making.

Some of our popular topics include:

• Whose history?
• Unmasking Hidden Governance Biases
• Bias in the News
• Data is Never Neutral
• The Myths of Meritocracy
• The Tactics of Control

Since their release in January 2025, the infographics have been downloaded over 1,640 times, demonstrating their relevance, reach, and impact. As one campus partner shared, these tools have become “a meaningful resource for introducing concepts in online courses,” helping students engage with foundational ideas ahead of deeper class discussions. Many students, they noted, have gone on to share the infographics with friends and family, extending the learning beyond the classroom and encouraging broader conversations about responsible citizenship in challenging times.

As conversations around equity and anti-racism evolve, so too will this dynamic collection, continuously expanding to address emerging topics and respond to community needs. View the collection of infographics.

As part of our efforts to build a more inclusive institution, the How To Take Action guides were launched to provide staff, faculty and students with practical and accessible tools to integrate equitable practices into their daily work and interactions.

These dynamic guides offer step-by-step strategies for applying equitable, anti-racist and anti-oppressive principles across a variety of contexts, from classrooms to committees, from policy development to student programming. This initiative directly supports PART Recommendation 2, which calls for the creation of resources to provide a basic understanding of anti-racist approaches for faculty and staff as they revise existing programs and services. Whether you desire to build an anti-oppressive practice, to create a neurodivergent-friendly environment, or to engage in equitable hiring, these resources are designed to meet people where they are and to support tangible, sustainable change.

Since their launch, the How to Take Action guides have garnered hundreds of interactions reflecting an interest in building equitable practices across campus. Current offerings include:

How to Build Student Programming through an EDI-R Lens

How to Build an Anti-Oppressive Practice

How to Address Microaggressions in the Classroom

How to Identify the Privilege You Hold

How to Build a Neurodivergent-Friendly Classroom

How to Engage in an Equitable Faculty Recruitment and Selection Process

How to Consult and Engage with Groups from Marginalized Identities

How to Integrate Equity into Policies, Programs and Initiatives

We continue to update and expand these resources in response to emerging needs across the campus community. Explore the  full collection  and learn how you can take action.

In an effort to meet campus communities where they are, the Office of EDI-R has introduced tailored learning sessions as a collaborative approach to equity and anti-racism education. Co-developed with departments, units, and campus groups, these sessions are grounded in real-world contexts, responsive to team dynamics, and aligned with each group’s specific goals. Rooted in anti-oppressive principles, the sessions are designed to move beyond a one-size-fits-all learning approach by offering practical tools, critical reflection, and strategies for lasting change.  

In 2024-25, 45 tailored sessions were delivered to partners across campus, including Advancement, Athletics, Campus Housing, Campus Wellness, Conrad Grebel University College, Food Services, New Faculty Planning, Plant Operations, United College, and Waterloo’s Canada Research Chairs, reaching over 2,706 faculty, staff, and students.

The themes addressed across sessions included power dynamics in academic and operational environments, cultural bias, bystander intervention, inclusive leadership, and the impacts of systemic inequity. Participants explored microaggressions, discrimination and harassment, and the ways in which exclusionary norms can manifest in mentorship, workplace practices, and student support. Each session was designed not only to raise awareness but to equip individuals and teams with strategies to interrupt harm and foster more equitable environments.

Departments and units interested in co-creating a tailored session are encouraged to connect with the Office of EDI-R to design learning experiences that reflect their values, roles, and community commitments.