Addressing Racism: We can make a difference

Friday, June 5, 2020

A message from David Edwards, Hallman Director, University of Waterloo School of Pharmacy

The events of the past several days in the United States have compelled us to confront the issue of systemic racism in Canada as well.  Racism exists in many forms and has many negative consequences including effects on health and health care delivery. We know that we have much work to do as a society, as a university and as a School of Pharmacy dedicated to the training of health care professionals and health researchers. In January 2020, the School approved a new strategic plan in which we committed to several important initiatives including:

  • Recruiting and admitting a diverse cohort of students
  • Developing a curriculum that promotes cultural safety
  • Creating culturally safe spaces for our students, faculty and staff
  • Expanding initiatives to support vulnerable populations

Through these initiatives, we want to encourage students of all backgrounds to continue their education at the School of Pharmacy. We want our students to understand the impact of racism on health and wellness and be able to deliver health care in a culturally sensitive manner. We also want to encourage our School community to speak up and speak out against racism. The University and the School of Pharmacy are committed to keeping this conversation going and to listening, learning and taking action to implement what we have learned.

Together we will work towards a common goal of ensuring that the School of Pharmacy provides an equitable learning environment for all and that the efforts of our faculty, staff, students and alumni contribute to positive change in the health and well-being of all members of the communities in which we live and work.