Statement of Commitment to the Values of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
The School of Environmental Sciences (SES) is strongly committed to advancing the values of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion for the benefit of those who have been historically marginalized among its students, research associates, post-doctoral candidates, staff, and faculty.
Building an equitable, diverse, and inclusive department is a collaborative process, and one that requires those in positions of privilege to act as allies to those who are marginalized. SES must never lose sight of the fact that ensuring a safe and fair working environment for all members of our department is our priority and responsibility.
We acknowledge that the University of Guelph, and by extension SES, both reside on the treaty lands and territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit. In the spirit of reconciliation SES is committed to strengthening its existing relationships with Indigenous communities, and is working to co-develop new relationships1,2.
Our entire organization is strengthened by the inclusion of individuals with a diversity of lived experiences. As we strive and work to create a culture that is welcoming and accessible to all members of our community, we acknowledge that this can only exist when the voices of those historically underrepresented in our community3 are centered, respected, and amplified.
Statements such as this one are ineffective without concrete action. SES must enact policies and processes which embody the values of antiracism, allyship, and decolonization, while continuously including and supporting marginalized students. We must also provide staff and faculty educational resources, support, and advice with which to better foster equity, diversity, and inclusion.
SES will promote initiatives which fulfill its commitment to promoting the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion, and will act as tangible steps towards a learning, research, and work environment that is free from discriminatory and intimidating behaviour. These initiatives thus far include the formation of a formal SES EDI committee, and the development of novel scholarships to fund student-led EDI initiatives within the department.
List of helpful resources (curated by the SES EDI Committee in July of 2022)
Notes:
1 Bachelor of Indigenous Environmental Science and Practice
3 This includes (but is not limited) to race, ethnicity, culture, gender identity, sexual orientation, neurodiversity, disability, age, education, parental status/responsibility, national origin, immigration status, religion, language, and socioeconomic status.
Last edited August 8, 2022