Waterloo recognized nationally for advancing Black inclusion in Canadian higher education
The Scarborough Charter recognizes Waterloo’s ongoing commitment to addressing anti-Black racism while creating more inclusive opportunities and programs
When universities from across Canada gathered this spring to discuss advancing Black inclusion in higher education, the University of Waterloo’s leadership and commitment did not go unnoticed.
Waterloo's Office of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Anti-Racism (EDI-R) was recognized for its leadership and partnership contributions to the Scarborough Charter Inter-Institutional Forum on Anti-Black Racism and Black Inclusion in Canadian Higher Education. The acknowledgement was presented at the biennial forum, co-hosted by the University of Ottawa and Carleton University in May 2026.
"Being part of this year's Inter-Institutional Forum was a powerful reminder that advancing Black inclusion is collective work," says 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."
Since becoming a signatory to the Scarbrough 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.
Advancing the Scarborough Charter through action
This commitment comes to life through initiatives and programs that align with the Scarborough Charter's four pillars.
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.
Dr. Christopher Taylor (middle), Associate Vice-President of EDI-R, speaking to a guest at the 2026 Inter-Institutional Forum of the Scarborough Charter. Photo credit: The Scarborough Charter.
Jennisha Wilson (middle), Director of Anti-Racism and Anti-Oppression, sitting with a group at the 2026 Inter-Institutional Forum of the Scarborough Charter. Photo credit: The Scarborough Charter.
Waterloo's continued participation in the Inter-Institutional Forum reflects a broader commitment to learning with and from institutions across Canada to recognize Black excellence, foster meaningful partnerships with Black communities, and drive lasting, sustainable systemic change.
Learn more
Read the Scarborough Charter 2023–2024 Progress Report to learn more about the collective progress of signatory institutions across Canada and the priorities shaping the next phase of this national initiative: Scarborough Charter Progress Report (2023–2024).
