Statement from President Goel
On International Trans Day of Visibility, we recognize and celebrate Two-Spirit, Trans, Non-Binary, and Gender Non-Conforming people, who are integral and valued members of our campus community. We celebrate trans students, faculty and staff and all they contribute. Today, we seek to add visibility to their voices, experiences and scholarship.
One of the cornerstones of the University of Waterloo is our commitment to genuine respect, inclusivity and well-being for all. We continue to work towards creating a community that is connected and respectful through evidence-based policies, practices, and programs. An integral component of belonging is feeling represented and valued.
As such, we are pleased to now offer at least one washroom in almost every building on main campus, as an all-gender washroom. While we recognize that this is an important step in making our campus more inclusive and accessible for all, we acknowledge that there is still more to be done. I want to recognize and thank those in WUSA, the Glow Centre, and other Two Spirit, Trans, Non-Binary and Gender Non-Conforming campus community members involved in advancing this important work.
We know that transphobic discrimination exists in many places around the world, and here in Canada. The University of Waterloo is committed to reducing discrimination on all of our campuses each and every day of the year.
I am thankful for the work and support we receive from the Office of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Anti-racism, WUSA, the Glow Centre and members of our community. These collaborations help guide us towards being the community we aspire to be - a community made up of individuals of all abilities, backgrounds and identities who thrive through a deep sense of belonging.
