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 upholds the Universities Canada Inclusive Excellence Principles.
What does EDI and AR mean?
Equity: is linked to rights within Canada’s Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
Section 15(1) states "every individual is equal before and under the law and has the right to the equal protection and equal benefit of the law."
Whereas Human Rights within the Charter says, "individuals should have an opportunity equal with other individuals to make for themselves the lives that they are able and wish to have…without being hindered in or prevented from doing without discrimination…based on race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, sex, age or mental or physical disability."
Equity, as defined informs provincial human rights legislation and refers to the state of being just, impartial or fair in employment, education, housing, health care etc. without discrimination but may require special measures or programs.
Diversity: is the difference that exists amongst people. The are many dimensions of diversity such as gender, ability, race, ethnicity, Indigenous identity, sex, age, religion, language, gender identity, etc. What makes each of us unique is the convergence of our diversity or our intersectionality. Examples of intersectionality include being racialized woman with disability or Indigenous man or gay Caucasian man, among countless others.
Inclusion: refers to ensuring social (education, employment, teams, etc) environments are welcoming to all. Inclusive environments require everyone follow the platinum rule of treating people the way they wish to be treated. If someone is unsure how to do this, the answer is straight forward - ask the person. Inclusive environments are free from judgement and assumption, they are respectful, open and safe for everyone.
Anti-racism: is the action-oriented process of identifying and eliminating racism through the intentional changing of systems, organizational structures, polices, practices and attitudes. The expected outcome of the actions is the equitable sharing of redistributed power.
Source:
Retrieved, July 29, 2024, The rights and freedoms the Charter protects (justice.gc.ca)
Retrieved August 15, 2024, Anti-racism lexicon - Canada.ca
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: BC Centre for Open Learning, third floor
If you have an EDI and AR-related event or news, please email edi@tru.ca.
Events
There are no events at this time.
FAQ
Does Thompson Rivers University (TRU) recognize EDI?
Yes, TRU’s aspirational value is to be community-minded with a global conscience, we boldly redefine the university as a place of belonging — Kw’seltktnéws (we are all related and interconnected with nature, each other, and all things) — where all people are empowered to transform themselves, their communities, and the world.
This value coupled with the unwavering efforts of the Anti-Racism Task Force prompted the establishment and the opening of Office of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Anti-Racism (EDI and AR) in July 2023.
What does the Office of EDI & AR do?
As the Office is still in its infancy stages, it is establishing a structure, assessing the internal and external environments and creating a sustainable plan for the future. In addition, the office is consults with students, faculty and staff; it provides workshops upon request; it reviews a variety of internal documents; it engages with community and is fully accessible to all.
Once the office is fully staffed a menu of service options will be made available.
Does the Office of EDI and AR oversee any committees?
Yes, the Office of EDI and AR oversees the following committees:
- EDI and AR Advisory Committee
- EDI and AR Faculty Committee
- EDI Anti-Racism Committee
How do I get involved with EDI and AR related activities?
The Office of EDI and AR utilizes internal communications mediums for faculty and staff, and the website and social media for students. Feel free to reach out at edi@tru.ca if you’re interested to learn about future opportunities.
