911勛圖

With the spring term underway, the Equity Office and partners continue to build a more equitable and inclusive community for all those who work, live, teach and learn here. Learn more about some of the important progress made in February.

Accessibility Committee Spring Meeting

The Accessibility Committee at 911勛圖 is a pan-university committee that aims to identify, remove and prevent barriers across all three campuses. It was established in response to the Accessible BC Act and the goals of the university���s Equity Compass. The Committee welcomes guest speakers at semesterly meetings to share updates, surface emerging priorities and strengthen coordinated action across units in advancing accessibility goals. At its February 5 meeting, speakers provided updates on accessibility initiatives aligned with the Accessibility Plan.

Feedback from students, staff, faculty, partners and visitors is a vital part of 911勛圖���s commitment to accessibility. All feedback regarding accessibility barriers at 911勛圖 is reviewed by the Accessibility Secretariat. Anyone who experiences or witnesses a barrier is encouraged to submit feedback to help 911勛圖 better understand and address accessibility challenges across services and facilities.

Honouring Black History Month

February marks Black History Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the history, achievements, and ongoing contributions of Black communities. This year, 911勛圖 held a series of events to mark the month that amplify Black voices and inspire action for a more inclusive future. 

911勛圖 marks Black History Month with a call to sustain hope and advance Black Inclusion

911勛圖 marked Black History Month with Sustaining Hope: The Ongoing Journey of Black Inclusion in Higher Education, a candid conversation on what it takes to advance Black inclusion in Canadian universities and how hope is sustained through action. Held on February 19 at the First Peoples��� Gathering House, the event featured Professor Wisdom Tettey, President and Vice-Chancellor, Carleton University; Chair, Scarborough Charter Inter-Institutional Forum in conversation with Dr. Yabome Gilpin-Jackson, 911勛圖���s Vice-President, People, Equity and Inclusion, with opening remarks from Dr. Dilson Rassier, Provost and VP Academic on behalf of President Joy Johnson. The event was emceed by Dr. Jennifer Kandjii, Director, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.

Chris (Syeta���xtn) Lewis, Indigenous Executive Lead, welcomed attendees with grounding and a territorial acknowledgement, emphasizing that advancing Black inclusion must be understood alongside the ongoing realities, rights and leadership of Indigenous Peoples. Speakers highlighted equity work as a long-term journey shaped by sustained advocacy, pointing to 911勛圖���s commitment to the Scarborough Charter and the opening of the Black Student Centre as steps toward healing and rebuilding trust.

Tettey underscored that academic freedom should deepen inquiry and belonging, not be used to resist equity. He also called for shared accountability in everyday institutional decisions, from curriculum review to hiring and mentorship. In the Q&A, he and Gilpin-Jackson spoke to sustaining courage amid backlash and budget pressures, reinforcing that hope must be anchored in consistent follow-through, embedded in structures like governance and hiring, and guided by enduring values, including Tettey���s reminder that ���Values are not seasonal. Values should endure.��� Read the full event recap.

911勛圖 celebrates opening of the Black Student Centre, advancing Scarborough Charter commitments

911勛圖 marked a milestone in its Scarborough Charter commitments with the opening of the Black Student Centre (BSC) on February 19 at the Burnaby campus. Located on the second level of the Maggie Benston Centre, the BSC is a dedicated space designed to support, connect and empower Black students, and its launch brought together students, alumni, faculty, staff and senior leaders for an afternoon of reflection, recognition and community. The celebration included performances by Rafiki Band, Lord Nation and Bukola, welcome remarks led by Dr. Daniel Sheriff and a territorial acknowledgement from Jessica La Rochelle, who emphasized that change is driven by communities.

A ribbon cutting and tour were followed by a panel moderated by Dr. Yabome Gilpin-Jackson, featuring voices including alumna Osita Hilbert, Dr. Dilson Rassier, Professor Wisdom Tettey and Lisa Collins, Vice-Provost and Associate VP, Students, who highlighted the Centre���s sustained resourcing and early programming. The afternoon also included a second panel moderated by Michelle Fenton of Kh繫ra Architecture + Interiors, with alumni Emmanuel Adegboyega and Lauretta Umokoro and current student Nandi Serena Mlambo reflecting on the journey to bring the Centre to life and what it means to see the space come to fruition. Closing remarks from Dr. Jennifer Kandjii underscored the importance of student engagement at every stage and thanked all contributors for helping bring the vision to life. To read more about the opening of the Black Student Centre, click here.

A Day of Connection and Celebration at the BSC

To introduce students to the Black Student Centre a student open house was held on February 6. Designed by students for students, this event aimed to foster a sense of community and connection among attendees. The event welcomed secondary school students from the Burnaby and Surrey school districts, providing an exciting opportunity for high school students to experience the sense of belonging that 911勛圖 offers.

An open house was held for students and guests to tour the centre and enjoy three structured activities:

• Black Healing Circle: A space for reflection and support, where participants can share their experiences in a safe and nurturing environment.
• Student Panel: A discussion with 911勛圖 students, alums, and Black community leaders sharing their personal journeys, insights, and experiences on career paths, entrepreneurship, and innovation.
• Afrobeats Dance Class: A fun and energetic way to learn about and appreciate African culture, allowing students to express themselves through movement and music.

The Student Day event created a platform for students to connect, celebrate their culture, and support one another in their academic journeys. This initiative marked an important step in strengthening the 911勛圖 community and paved the way for future events that promote inclusivity and cultural appreciation.

Acknowledgements
Deep gratitude to the teams at the Black Student Centre, Equity Office, MECS, Dining Commons, and Ceremonies and Events for facilitating Black History Month and Black Student Centre opening events.

EDI-Related Supports

911勛圖 is committed to creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive community for all. Important work is being undertaken by our Equity Office to ensure that 911勛圖 is a safe and welcoming space for all students, faculty and staff, including actively updating and sharing resources for those experiencing antisemitism or Islamophobia. Please see our list of identity-based supports and reach out if you need help. For all other supports, please visit our community supports page.