Transforming Waterloo’s approach and action on equity, diversity, inclusion, and anti-racism (EDI-R)
Addresses objectives: C4B Improve the representation, participation, and engagement of equity-deserving groups C4C Advance policies and programming to foster equity, diversity, inclusion, and anti-racism
In October 2021 the prior Human Rights, Equity and Inclusion (HREI) Office was reconfigured and realigned with new priorities and responsibilities into two new offices — Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Anti-racism Office (EDI-R Office) and Indigenous Relations Office. This new structure is part of how Waterloo is transforming its focus and practice to embracing equity and anti-racism as a strategic business practice and priority.
Throughout 2021-2022, the EDI-R Office worked to create the strategic direction and priority initiatives for their respective units while also continuing to deliver on commitments made by the prior HREI Office. A key component of these efforts is addressing recommendations from the President’s Anti-racism Task Force (PART), reviewing existing policies, practices and procedures, and developing policy and guidelines to identify and remove systemic barriers that contribute to inequitable racial outcomes. Building a team of equity and anti-racism professionals, with strategic direction and defined mandates within the new offices remain pressing issues. With limited human resources, the risk of not supporting the daily needs of the Waterloo population outweighed the risk of upstream and systemic transformation. Staff, students, and faculty experiencing the daily impacts of racism, sexism, transphobia, homophobia, ableism, and all forms of oppression need immediate and dedicated support, both in individual response, and in resources focused on systemic change.
Jump to: SC Goal C4 | Strengthening Communities Goals
Moving forward: Addressing human resource challenges will remain a priority for both the EDI-R and Indigenous relations offices for the upcoming year. Efforts will also continue on relevant PART recommendations. An environmental scan of existing anti-racism policies and guidelines within institutions across Canada and an in-depth policy audit will be conducted, leading to the creation of an anti-racism policy for Waterloo.