Under the guidance of Memorial University's Vice Provost Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Anti-Racism (EDI-AR), the university has made improvements in moving towards fostering a more equitable and justice-oriented campus community throughout 2024. By facilitating strategic initiatives, hosting impactful events, and developing and maintaining meaningful partnerships, the EDI-AR Team continues to work diligently to set the foundation for equity and justice into the fabric of Memorial University. These efforts are focused on Memorial’s commitments outlined in its Strategic Plan to address systemic inequities and create an environment where diversity is celebrated, and individuals feel valued and respected.

At the forefront of these transformative changes is Dr. Delores V. Mullings, whose visionary leadership has been pivotal in driving the office's success. Her dedication to dismantling systemic barriers and championing equity and justice has helped the university to move toward its vision boldly.

As we reflect on the milestones achieved over the past year, the momentum established by EDI-AR lays a solid foundation for the exciting initiatives planned for 2025, further advancing Memorial University's commitment to equity and justice.

2024: A Year of Establishing Foundation and Growth

The EDI-AR team has been involved with many events as it continues to grow and establish the office while also building partnerships across Memorial’s campuses and the broader communities. Highlights include:

Strategic Plan Updates and Consultations

Presentations to the Planning & Budget Committee and the President's Executive Committee underscored EDI-AR’s role in integrating equity-focused strategies into university planning. The strategic planning report was published online in March.

The What We Heard and What We Learned, the EDI-AR Strategic Plan, is in its final stages of development, so we anticipate university-wide consultation in the winter semester.

Employment Equity Act Review Series

The Employment Equity Act Review Series, held from August to October, was a collaborative initiative between the Office of the Vice-Provost, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Anti-Racism (EDI-AR) and Dr. Tony Fang, the Stephen Jarislowsky Chair in Cultural and Economic Transformation at Memorial University. This series comprised hybrid events aimed at providing staff and faculty with new insights into recruitment, engagement, retention, and promotion practices. Dr. Fang, who served as a member of the federal Employment Equity Act Review Task Force, shared his expertise during these sessions. The series included presentations to various university groups, such as the Department of Human Resources, union locals (MUNFA, CUPE, NAPE, TAUMUN), Faculty Relations, and the broader university community.

Racial Justice Accessibility Tool Kit

With internal funding from Public Engagement, and community, student, staff, and faculty partnership, three hybrid consultation sessions were facilitated at Grenfell Campus, Marine Institute, and St. John’s Campus. Two final sessions are scheduled for Wednesday, January 15th, 2025, at 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. to finalize the Racial Justice Accessibility Tool Kit.

Addressing Anti-Black Racism (ABR) and Black Inclusion Events

With internal funding from Public Engagement, and support from the Scarborough Charter Secretariat, the EDI-AR office hosted three consultation sessions between September and  November, EDI-AR hosted two key consultations on addressing anti-Black racism and fostering Black inclusion. Black students, faculty, and staff engaged in critical dialogue, sharing experiences and ideas for change.

Senior leadership participated in discussions to explore actionable solutions to explore moving the university’s signatory commitment to address ABR and foster Black inclusion across all campuses. Memorial also renewed its Scarborough Charter membership and meetings have been initiated with President Bose and Dr. Paul Banahene Adjei to initiate forming an Advisory Group to oversee Memorial’s direction for addressing ABR and Black inclusion.

Human Rights Policy Consultations

Engaging a cross section of individuals and groups across the university to provide feedback on    Memorial’s first Human Rights policy has been focal point for the EDI-AR office. Consultations began in September and will remain ongoing until December 5, 2024, to ensure various interested parties have an opportunity to help shape the new Human Rights Policy.

Consultation with International, Racialized Students

Memorial University's Office of the Vice-Provost, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Anti-Racism (EDI-AR) has actively engaged with international and racialized students through dedicated consultation sessions. In November 2023, two dialogue sessions were conducted to understand the lived experiences of these students across all Memorial campuses. These sessions aimed to identify strategies and policies to foster a welcoming and discrimination-free environment at the university.

Honouring EDI-AR Strategic Team Members

Additionally, the EDI-AR office has recognized the contributions of its Strategic Planning Team (SPT). Launched in the Winter 2022, the SPT brought together members of the Memorial community committed to advancing equity and inclusion. The team played a pivotal role in operationalizing the strategic planning process, facilitating consultations, and drafting the EDI-AR Strategic Plan. Their efforts have been instrumental in shaping Memorial's approach to equity, diversity, inclusion, and anti-racism.

 

Established Annual Premier Events:

Black History and Liberation Month

EDI-AR partnered with The Rooms and Student Life to host events honoring Black history and achievements. Keynote speaker Dr. Beverly-Jean Daniel delivered an impactful address focusing on diversity, equity, and inclusion, while other activities included educational presentations and opportunities for community engagement.

International Women’s Day

A panel discussion titled "Past, Present, Future: Reflections on Barriers and Wins for International Women’s Day" featured speakers such as Mackenzie Broders (MUNSU), Dr. Nikitha Kendyala (Nucliq Biologics), Mackenzie Long (MUN ISRC), Jessica Pike (Memorial University), and Constanza Safatle (Newfoundlander). This hybrid event included in-person participation at The Landing and virtual attendance via Webex​.

Inaugural EDI-AR International Conference

The conference drew over 250 participants worldwide, offering sessions that delved into innovative practices and global perspectives on equity, diversity, inclusion, and anti-racism. This successful one-day event will expand into a two-day format next year, taking place from Thursday, May 22 to Friday, May 23, 2025, at Memorial University's Signal Hill Campus.

Pride: Celebrating 2SLGBTQIA+

As part of Pride season, journalist and academic Rhea Rollmann hosted "A Queer History of Newfoundland." This discussion celebrated the rich history of queer activism and community-building in Newfoundland and Labrador, highlighting contributions to societal progress. The event was held in person at SN–2109 and online on June 27

During October's Disability Employment Awareness Month (DEAM)

 Memorial University, in partnership with EDI-AR, Human Resources, and Student Life, hosted events to promote workplace accessibility and inclusion. The "Leading with Accessibility Confidence Panel" featured discussions on creating barrier-free environments, while "Light It Up! for DEAM" aligned with a national campaign, illuminating campus landmarks in purple and blue to celebrate disability inclusion.

Annual Community Table Talk

The Annual Community Table Talk, hosted by Dr. Delores V. Mullings, Vice-Provost for Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Anti-Racism (EDI-AR), took place on October 15 at Memorial’s St. John’s campus. This hybrid event highlighted EDI-AR's progress and priorities as Dr. Mullings reflected on her three years in the role. Featuring a presentation, Q&A session, and informal reception, the event fostered meaningful dialogue with the Memorial community, providing updates on key initiatives and the vision for advancing equity and inclusion.

Upcoming Initiatives: 2024-2025

Looking ahead, the EDI-AR Office remains committed to fostering meaningful dialogue to help contribute to Memorial’s goals of transforming our university through systemic and structural actions.

EDI-AR International Conference 2025

Preparations are underway for the highly anticipated EDI-AR Conference 2025, which will take place on Thursday, May 22, and Friday, May 23, 2025. This two-day event is designed to inspire change-makers through expert panels, interactive workshops, and community-led discussions, fostering local and global perspectives on systemic change.

Submissions for proposals will be opened at the end of November. The conference will feature a plenary

2SLGBTQIA+ Event (June 2025)

 This planned event will focus on the 2SLGBTQIA+ campus climate and student well-being. It aims to foster meaningful dialogue and encourage decision-makers to explore strategies for creating a more inclusive and equitable university environment for 2SLGBTQIA+ community members.

African History and Liberation (February 2025)

Planning is underway to highlight African History and Liberation through internal and external partnerships.

Ongoing Work Towards Transformation

These initiatives reflect Memorial University’s unwavering commitment to creating a campus where equity, diversity, inclusion, and anti-racism are at the heart of everything we do. By working hand-in-hand with campus leaders, students, and community partners, EDI-AR is helping to build a future where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered.

Quarterly Community Panels

Once per quarter, our office will facilitate panel discussions with representatives from the many religious and spiritual communities at Memorial and in the province more broadly.

These events are an opportunity for these communities to share information about their upcoming celebrations and days of acknowledgement, and for Memorial's communities to learn from and engage with the many religious and spiritual communities found on our campuses. 

Please visit the dedicated community panels page for more information, including how to participate. 

For information on other events associated with Memorial University, please check the Gazette Event Listing information.