On Nov. 18, 2021, Mount Royal University (MRU) joined many other post-secondary institutions across Canada in signing the Scarborough Charter on anti-Black racism and Black inclusion in Canadian higher education. This historic commitment underscores MRU's dedication to advancing equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility (EDIA) and addressing systemic racism on our campus and in our community.

MRU recognizes the urgency of combating anti-Black racism and fostering an inclusive academic environment. By endorsing the Scarborough Charter, MRU commits to its principles and aligns its efforts with the Charter's comprehensive framework, which emphasizes Black flourishing, inclusive excellence, mutuality and accountability. This commitment aligns strongly with Goal 4 of MRU's institutional strategic plan: embedding intersectional EDIA principles to create a welcoming environment free from discrimination and systemic racism.

Despite numerous initiatives and reports, anti-Black racism remains a pervasive issue within Canadian universities, including MRU, reflecting slow progress and ongoing discriminatory practices that affect Black students, faculty and staff. Evidence highlights the systemic nature of racism and the specific challenges faced by racialized communities in higher education, underscoring the urgent need for inclusive and equitable academic environments.

The Scarborough Charter outlines four overarching principles for addressing anti-Black racism and fostering Black inclusion in Canadian higher education:

• Black Flourishing, which emphasizes removing structural barriers and advancing research and knowledge dissemination;
• Inclusive Excellence, which underscores the enrichment of post-secondary education through equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility;
• Mutuality, which recognizes the embedded nature of institutions in various communities and their responsibility to foster mutual relationships, particularly with Black communities; and
• Accountability, which involves ongoing education, acknowledgment of Black life's complexity and a commitment to transformative inclusion across institutional structures, policies and procedures.

Learn more about the Scarborough Charter.

 

 

Collaborative efforts and the Inter-Institutional Forum

The Scarborough Charter encourages collaborative efforts among Canadian post-secondary institutions. MRU believes that working with other signatories will help combat anti-Black racism and advance a more diverse and equitable post-secondary sector. The Inter-Institutional Forum (IIF), facilitated by the Scarborough Charter Secretariat at the University of Toronto, plays a crucial role in this collaboration. An executive director has already been appointed to lead the IIF Secretariat, ensuring sustained commitment and coordination among member institutions.

The IIF Steering Committee is responsible for facilitating collaboration, promoting sector-wide initiatives and ensuring accountability in upholding the principles of the Scarborough Charter. Their mandate includes:

• Receiving and evaluating applications: Reviewing membership applications and fostering communities of practice within the IIF;
• Implementation and accountability: Overseeing data collection, periodic reporting and commissioning studies to share core knowledge on anti-Black racism and Black inclusion;
• Strategic direction and oversight: Guiding the operations of the Scarborough Charter Secretariat and making recommendations to the IIF.

 

 

MRU’s implementation of the Scarborough Charter

MRU is in the process of developing a draft framework for implementing the Scarborough Charter, which will anchor on the forthcoming EDIA Strategic Plan and align with Goal 4 of the University Strategic Plan. As we continue to engage with our campus community, we remain committed to fostering an inclusive environment where all members can thrive. By prioritizing these initiatives and working collaboratively with other institutions, MRU aims to create a more equitable and inclusive academic landscape for all.

Our implementation framework focuses on several key thematic areas:

1. Inclusive policies and practices: Developing and enacting policies that actively address and counter anti-Black racism;
2. Diverse leadership representation: Increasing the representation of Black individuals in leadership roles across the university;
3. Data collection and monitoring: Conducting periodic climate surveys and collecting data on the representation of Black students, faculty, staff, and researchers to inform initiatives;
4. Community engagement and support: Establishing robust partnerships with Black-led organizations and communities to foster mutual support and collaboration;
5. Educational initiatives: Providing dedicated anti-Black racism education for all members of the institution and celebrating Black intellectual excellence;
6. Cultural representation and awareness: Promoting cultural awareness and recognizing the contributions of Black individuals;
7. Accountability: Implementing reporting mechanisms to ensure accountability in advancing intersectional Black flourishing.