The importance of equity, diversity, inclusion and anti-racism, is explicitly articulated in TRU’s vision statement and core values. With inclusive excellence and the elimination of achievement gaps included in our strategic priorities, there is a clear commitment at TRU to foster an environment where human rights are respected and all members of our community feel safe to be their authentic selves.
To lead the change necessary to reduce barriers and achieve meaningful inclusion, TRU is proud to have established our Office of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Anti-Racism (EDI and AR), which opened in 2023.
National commitment
TRU endorsed the Dimensions Charter, a program that promotes EDI in higher education, and as a member of Universities Canada, TRU commits to upholding the Universities Canada Inclusive Excellence Principles.
EDI and AR defined
Equity: The establishment of conditions that are free from barriers or disadvantage and promotes the principle of accommodating difference among people.
Diversity: The variety of identities found within an organization, group or society. Diversity is expressed through factors such as culture, ethnicity, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, age, language, education, ability, family status or socioeconomic status.
Inclusion: The practice of using proactive measures to create an environment where people feel welcomed, respected, and valued, and to foster a sense of belonging and engagement. This practice involved changing the environment by removing barriers so that each person has equal access to opportunities and resources, and can achieve their full potential.
Anti-racism: The conscious opposition to racist theories, attitudes and actions. Anti-racism is not just about being against the idea of racism. It is also about taking active steps to fight against it.
Source: Government of Canada Guide on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Terminology
TRU committees and groups
TRU's commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and anti-racism is put into action through numerous committees and groups working across our campuses.
TRU Committees
- TRU Accessibility Committee
- TRU EDI and Anti-Racism Faculty Committee
- TRU EDI and Anti-Racism Advisory Committee
TRU Faculty Association Committees
- Decolonization, Reconciliation and Indigenization Committee
- Disability Management and Rehabilitation Committee
- Equity Committee
- Gender Equity Committee
- Human Rights Committee
TRU Faculty/Departmental Committees
- Bob Gaglardi School of Business and Economics EDI Committee
- Centre for Excellence in Learning and Teaching Inclusivity Committee
- Intercultural Ambassadors
- University Library Divisional Council Inclusion, Diversity and Accessibility Committee
Senate Committees
- Intercultural Understanding Subcommittee
- Internationalization Planning Committee
- Quelmucw Affairs
- Senate International Affairs Committee
Student Committees
- Intercultural Storytellers
- TRU Student Union Equity Committee
Learning resources
As an educational institution, it’s part of our fabric to recognize education as a powerful catalyst for change. The following lists highlight some of the resources available to enrich your personal journey into equity, diversity, inclusion and anti-racism.
TRU resources
TRU Library – select EDI and AR books
- Academic Well-Being of Racialized Students edited by Benita Bunjun
- Complaint! by Sara Ahmed
- Gender Trouble: Feminism and the Subversion of Identity by Judith Butler
- How to be an Anti-racist by Ibram X. Kendi
- Living a Feminist Life by Sara Ahmed
- Race, Colour, and the Process Of Racialization: New Perspectives From Group Analysis, Psychoanalysis, and Sociology by Farhad Dalal
- So You Want To Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo
- The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin
- The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
- The Racial Healing Handbook: Practical Activities to Help You Challenge Privilege, Confront Systemic Racism, and Engage in Collective Healing by Anneliese A. Singh
- White Fragility by Robin DiAngelo
You can search for these resources on the TRU Libraries website.
External resources
Provincial resources
Contact us
Email: edi@tru.ca
Phone: 250-852-7662
Office: Clock Tower, fourth floor
Events
If you have an EDI and AR-related event or news, please email edi@tru.ca.
Unearned Assets ConferenceAn exploration of the provisions within an invisible knapsack
The two-day event starting on Wednesday, May 29, 2024 is bound to leave you wanting to learn more about EDI, anti-racism, anti-oppression, and the provisions of your own metaphorical knapsack. Featuring keynote speakers Dr. Peggy McIntosh, the author of the “White Privilege: The Invisible Knapsack” and Jesse Lipscombe, Leadership Expert - Co-founder of #MakeItAwkward & Not That Funny Inc.
Check here for more details and a schedule of events.
