- Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Anti‑Racism
Nursing students begin Canoe Journey
A new initiative of the First Nations Health Authority and TRU gives students opportunities to learn alongside First Nations communities.
At TRU, we commit to being equitable in all that we do. We champion diversity because of our demographic. We celebrate our respectful relations as essential to inclusion.
National commitment Lead the change to reduce barriers
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.
TRU upholds the Universities Canada Inclusive Excellence Principles.
What does EDI and AR mean?
Equity 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 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 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 Eliminating racism through intentional change
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.
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
- Bob Gaglardi School of Business and Economics Indigenization Working Group
- Faculty of Science EDI Committee
- Faculty of Science Indigenization and Decolonization Committee
- Faculty of Arts Decolonization and Indigenization Committee
- Faculty of Law Equity Committee
- Faculty of Law Indigenous Initiatives Committee
- Faculty of Nursing Equity Committee
- Faculty of Nursing Indigenous Health Nursing Committee
Senate Committees
- International Affairs Committee
- Quelmúcw Affairs
Student Committees
- TRU Student Union (TRUSU) Equity Committee
- TRUSU Club Directory
- TRU diversity and equity supports and resources for students
Learning resources
As an educational institution, it’s part of our fabric to recognize education as a powerful catalyst for change. These are some resources available to enrich your personal journey into equity, diversity, inclusion and anti-racism.
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 and 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.
Contact us
Email: edi@tru.ca
Phone: 250-852-7662
Office: Administrative Services Building, third floor
If you have an EDI and AR-related event or news, please email edi@tru.ca.
EDI newsletter sign up
Events
No upcoming events
- Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Anti‑Racism
Accessibility advocate propelled by bravery, empowered through connectivity
Nada Abdelghaffar, Accessibility Representative for TRUSU Equity, is excited to contribute to meaningful changes from another vantage point.
- Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Anti‑Racism
Prolific ambassador, EDI enthusiast awarded for exceptional leadership
Yunisha Bist, a third-year Communication and Journalism student, was named the winner of the 2026 Neil Russell Student Leadership Award.
- Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Anti‑Racism
Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc and TRU sign Knucwetwécw Agreement
The new partnership agreement formalizes a relationship grounded in mutual recognition and a shared commitment to work together.
- Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Anti‑Racism
TRU and FNHA sign MOU to advance First Nations health and education
A new agreement between TRU and the First Nations Health Authority focuses on improving health outcomes for First Nations communities.
- Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Anti‑Racism
TRU signs Scarborough Charter, committing to action on anti-Black racism
TRU formally signed the Scarborough Charter on Feb. 25, joining a national network working to advance Black inclusion in higher education.
- Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Anti‑Racism
Iconic, exotic and ordinary: AWT remembers Matthew Shepard
The Actors’ Workshop Theatre’s (AWT) upcoming production of The Laramie Project centres around the aftermath of a hate crime in 1998.
- Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Anti‑Racism
Honouring cultural identity, diversity through mother tongues
TRU celebrates linguistic diversity with a parade and rally for International Mother Language Day on the Kamloops campus on Feb. 23.
