Diversity, Equity and Inclusion committee launches website (April 20, 2009)

At the University of Toronto Mississauga, one of our greatest strengths is our diversity. U of T Mississauga is strongly committed to enhancing the diversity of our staff, students and faculty to reflect our local and global community.

Now, the campus' continuing efforts to foster equity, diversity and inclusion through dialogue, various initiatives and awards are easily accessible through the website for the Principal's Advisory Committee on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (PACDEI). The website was developed by Chris McGrath (assistant dean, Student Affairs), web and multimedia communications officer Charlie Mao, and students Ovais Shah and Madiha Khan.

"At the highest levels in this university, there is interest, dedication and commitment to diversity, equity and inclusiveness," says geography professor Harvey Shear, chair of PACDEI. "We have good structures in place, a civilized student body-we want to make everyone feel welcome here and we want people to integrate and communicate with each other. We want people to feel comfortable, and enjoy their university experience. So if this committee can provide advice to the principal that will help to make that happen, then we will have done our job."

Staff and students who make up the committee are advising Principal Ian Orchard in several areas: establishing and improving equity programs, services and initiatives so as to remove barriers for people who are usually underrepresented in Canada-Aboriginal people, people with disabilities, visible minorities, sexual minorities and women; ensuring that employees and students are treated with justice and fairness and included into the mainstream campus community, and promoting the development of a campus culture that integrates the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion.

Shear notes that this is not limited to campus, but that efforts should extend to the larger Mississauga community to promote diversity, equity and inclusiveness. The new website notes that several U of T Mississauga awards-the Principal's Diversity and Inclusion Award, the Principal's fund for Student Diversity and Inclusion and three Diversity, Inclusion and Excellence grants-celebrate those on campus who are making a difference. The committee is also planning to launch a poster contest in the near future.