EDIIA Newsletters & announcements
Published at the beginning of each month, the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work’s Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Indignity and Accessibility (EDIIA) newsletter shares news, announcements, workshops, learning opportunities, upcoming dates of awareness and related events. The newsletter also provides reminders of resources available at FIFSW and U of T designed to support our diverse communities. All FIFSW students, faculty and staff are automatically subscribed to this newsletter.
In addition to the newsletter, FIFSW’s Director, EDIIA may send updates to our community on opportunities or notices from the University.
View past newsletters, announcements and updates from FIFSW’s EDIIA office (starting from December 2024) via the links below.
EDIIA Newsletters and announcements
In case you have not come across this announcement yet, I wanted to let you know that the Call for Nominations for the Muslim, Arab, Palestinian Discrimination Working Group (MAPDWG) is now open. I have received many inquiries in the EDIIA Office about the status of this working group and am pleased to share that interested members of the university community are invited to nominate themselves to serve on the MAP DWG. The Chair (Dr. Anver Emon) seeks to include a diversity of voices on the issues of Islamophobia,* anti-Arab, and anti-Palestinian discrimination. Students, faculty and librarians, instructors and researchers, and staff are encouraged to serve on the MAP DWG. The Working Group will include three subcommittees that will bring into focus the distinct experiences of Muslim, Arab, and Palestinian members of the University.
* For the purposes of this report and Working Group, Islamophobia and anti-Muslim discrimination will be used synonymously.
Self-nominations may be submitted online via the MAP DWG’s webpage by January 17, 2025. Find more information on the Muslim, Arab, Palestinian Discrimination Working Group
To self nominate yourself for this working group please fill the following Microsoft Form.
News and announcements
Exciting News: Expanded Focus of Our Office!
We are thrilled to announce that the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Office is now the Equity, Diversity, Indigeneity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (EDIIA) Office. This change reflects our ongoing commitment to advancing equity, celebrating diversity, amplifying Indigenous voices, and ensuring accessibility for all. Stay tuned for updates and initiatives under this expanded mandate!
Dean Williams’ Community Update — December 6, 2024
On December 6, Dean Charmaine Williams shared a community update on actions FIFSW is taking to address antisemitism and inclusive practices here at FIFSW. The update provides a robust overview of ongoing activities reflected in our commitment to serving all communities at the Faculty.
NEW! FIFSW On-Location Accessibility Advisor Drop in Hours
Beginning in January, Winter term drop-in hours with FIFSW’s on site Accessibility Advisor Bethany Ohab will now be on Tuesdays between 12:00 and 1:00 pm, in person, room 108. These drop-in hours are to help students waiting for an appointment and are reserved for students already assigned to Bethany or seeking general information in registering with Accessibility Services. For more information on receiving support for your accessibility needs, visit FIFSW’s website.
In Memory of the Honorable Murray Sinclair
Murray Sinclair, an Anishinaabe senator, lawyer, and the first Indigenous judge in Manitoba, has passed away at 73. As chief commissioner of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC), he led efforts to document the impact of Canada’s residential schools, concluding that they were part of a policy of cultural genocide against Indigenous Peoples. A member of Peguis First Nation, Sinclair’s advocacy left a lasting legacy. In 2017, he was recognized with an honorary degree from the University of Toronto. In his address, he urged graduates to uphold truth and integrity, reminding them that “not everything you have been told is right.” A sacred fire has been lit in his honor, a testament to his profound influence on reconciliation and justice. Click here to learn more about the Honorable Murray Sinclair.
EDIIA committee updates
Join us for the next EDIIA Committee meeting on January 14th
FIFSW’s Equity, Diversity, Indigeneity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (EDIIA) Committee is a formal standing committee of FIFSW and is derived of students, staff, faculty, alumni, and community partners. Learn about the EDIIA Committee’s terms of reference, structure and more.
All staff, students, and faculty are welcome to register to attend our next EDIIA Committee General Meeting on January 14, 2025. We hope you can join us!
Spotlight on EDIIA resources
Have you visited FIFSW’s EDIIA website?
FIFSW’s Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Indigeneity, and Accessibility website provides information on FIFSW initiatives, resources and plans related to EDIIA and Truth and Reconciliation and will be updated as ongoing work in these areas continues to evolve. We have included placeholders for sections where new content is planned and in the process of being developed through FIFSW’s Diversity & Equity Committee and in consultation with our communities.
Have suggestions or feedback? Reach out to FIFSW’s EDIIA Director Shahana Arain to share your thoughts.
How to report EDIIA Concerns at FIFSW
If you have experienced discrimination or harassment under the Ontario Human Rights Code, based on the University’s Statement on Prohibited Discrimination and Discriminatory Harassment, we encourage you to reach out to FIFSW’s Director of Equity, Diversity, Indigeneity, Inclusion, and Accessibility. Reporting EDIIA concerns may be initiated based on an individual’s experiences of discrimination or harassment, either within or outside of FIFSW.
Our goal is to support each person through the resolution process on an individual basis based on their unique needs. We aim to offer resources that are culturally responsive, trauma informed, and restorative in nature.
Visit this page to learn more about reporting EDIIA concerns.
Student workshop
Engaging in Research: African Black Caribbean, Latin American, Southeast Asian & First Generation undergrad students
Thursday, December 12
4:30 to 6:00pmAfrican Black Caribbean, Latin American, Southeast Asian and First Generation undergraduate students will discuss research with involved upper year student Mentor Navigators, and relatable librarians and professors from a variety of disciplines. Graduate students may register for this event.
Staff/Faculty professional development
Recognizing and Addressing Race, Place of Origin & Creed-Based Discriminations in our Work Environment
December 4, 2024
10:00am to 12:30pmThis interactive workshop aims to deepen participants’ understanding of how both race, place of origin and creed-based discrimination can occur in our work environments. Participants will learn to recognize these forms of discrimination and their impacts, explore relevant University policies to address discrimination and harassment and share strategies and practices that support inclusive and equitable workplace.
Practical Strategies for a Gender-Inclusive University
December, 4 2024
1:00pm to 4:00pmThis training will build on foundational frameworks and concepts related to sexual and gender diversity and support participants to build a a deeper understanding of gender identity and gender expression. Through reflective activities, practical strategies, and engaging conversations, participants will gain skills to recognize how gendered ideas and assumptions might emerge in everyday interactions.
Anti-Racism & Cultural Diversity Office (ARCDO) training and workshops
The Anti-Racism & Cultural Diversity Office offers professional development course to increase faculty, librarian and staff’s understanding of their roles/responsibilities and key strategies to advancing racial equity, diversity and inclusion at U of T. December events include a workshop on Recognizing and Addressing Race, Place of Origin & Creed-based Discriminations in our Work Environment.
Visit ARCDO’s website to view upcoming training and workshops for faculty, librarians and staff.
Religious and cultural observances
December dates
December 21: Yalda (Zoroastrian)
December 21: Yule (Wiccan)
December 23: Human Light Day (Humanist)
December 25: Christmas (Christian)
December 25-January 2: Hanukkah (Judaism)
December 26: Kwanzaa (Cultural – African American)
December 26: Zartosht no deeso (Zoroastrian)Visit the University of Toronto’s Student Life website for more information on the dates above, including descriptions and common greetings.
Accommodations for Religious Observances
Visit the Office of the Vice Provost Students website and learn more about Religious Accommodations for students. It is the policy of the University of Toronto to work with students who observe religious days other than those already accommodated by current scheduling and statutory holidays[DD2] . Review the Policy on Scheduling of Classes and Examination and Other Accommodations for Religious Observances.
Dates of Awareness
December dates
December 3: International Day of Persons with Disabilities
December 6: National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against WomenVisit FIFSW’s website for more information, including descriptions, of all upcoming dates of awareness.
View a list of U of T’s Institutional Dates of Awareness.
Learn about heritage months via U of T’s Student Life website.
Did you know?
Sharing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Call to Action: Reducing the Number of Aboriginal Children in Care
As part of our ongoing commitment to truth and reconciliation, we share this Call to Action to raise awareness among staff, students, and faculty. We are highlighting these recommendations to foster an understanding of the systemic challenges Indigenous families face and inspires us to consider how we can support reconciliation efforts through our work, learning, and interactions.
The TRC calls upon federal, provincial, territorial, and Aboriginal governments to commit to reducing the number of Aboriginal children in care by:
- Monitoring and assessing neglect investigations.
- Providing adequate resources to enable Aboriginal communities and child-welfare organizations to keep Aboriginal families together where it is safe to do so, and to keep children in culturally appropriate environments, regardless of where they reside.
- Ensuring that social workers and others who conduct child-welfare investigations are properly educated and trained about the history and impacts of residential schools.
- Ensuring that social workers and others who conduct child-welfare investigations are properly educated and trained about the potential for Aboriginal communities and families to provide more appropriate solutions to family healing.
- Requiring that all child-welfare decision makers consider the impact of the residential school experience on children and their caregivers.
On December 6, Dean Williams shared a community update on addressing antisemitism at FIFSW.
All past community updates from the Dean can be viewed here.
Questions? Need Help?
Contact FIFSW’s Director of EDIIA, Shahana Arain
Office Hours: 12:30-1:30pm Mondays and TuesdaysOffice location: Room 202
You Matter, Your Well Being is Important!
If you are a student who needs immediate support, please call the Health & Wellness Centre at (416) 978-8030 to speak with a counsellor. Counselling is also available through the U of T Telus Health Student Support (formerly MySSP) 24/7 by calling 1 (844) 451-9700.