Equity, diversity and inclusion

Equity means the guarantee of fair treatment, access, opportunity, and advancement for all students, faculty, and staff, while at the same time striving to identify and eliminate barriers that have prevented the full participation of marginalized groups.*

Diversity means all the ways that people differ, including characteristics, personal experiences, values, and worldviews.*

Inclusion is the process of creating an environment in which any individual or group can be and feel welcomed, respected, supported, and valued to fully participate in all the opportunities afforded by the University.*

*Definitions from the Terms of Reference established by the President's Task Force on EDI.

A diverse and inclusive environment brings significant benefits not only to the university, but also to our students, faculty, and support staff. When individuals from all ethnicities and genders are respected and given equal opportunities they flourish in more ways than one. Individuals have a greater opportunity for growth as multiple voices, perspectives and diverse backgrounds create a community that is open to new ideas, unique experiences, and lends itself to creating a talent pool that will inspire current leaders and will foster our future leaders.

In the fall of 2019 a President's Task Force on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion was established to provide recommendations on the process and actions required to identify and examine obstacles and inequities facing faculty, staff and students at the University of Manitoba.

Chaired by then Vice-Provost (Academic Affairs) Diane Hiebert-Murphy, the task force included senior leaders, faculty members, students and staff members, as well as resource members drawn from relevant units of the University. The committee provided a final report and recommendation to the President and Vice-Presidents. A survey has been created to better understand UM community experiences of diversity, inclusion and equity.