In 2014, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed the decade from 2015 to 2024 as the International Decade for People of African Descent. The goal of the UN Resolution is to promote “the full enjoyment of economic, social, cultural, civil and political rights by people of African descent, and their full and equal participation in all aspects of society.” The theme for the decade is “People of African descent: recognition, justice and development.”
In 2019, the Faculty of Education formally adopted the declaration and in so doing, it recognized that Canada, at times, has contributed to racism and to the marginalization and oppression of people of African descent. The Faculty believes that education must play a central role in promoting recognition, justice and development for people of African descent, as well as for people of all backgrounds. As such, equity and social justice are among the Faculty’s strategic orientations.
Moreover, in adopting the declaration, the Faculty of Education expresses its desire to become a leader in inclusion and equity, both within the University and in educational circles at the provincial, national and international levels. The Faculty reiterates its commitment to working with our partners to achieve the following objectives:
- Implement inclusive practices in teaching, research and administration to foster the success of all students, including those of African descent
- Promote and incorporate the voices of all students, including those of African descent, in decisions affecting the student experience
- Review our equity policies and sensitize faculty members and support staff to the needs of all our students
- Increase diversity among our teaching and support staff members
- Celebrate the experiences and successes of all students, including those of African descent
- Foster a motivating, respectful, and equitable work climate
- Increase the visibility of our partner communities, including those representing people of African descent, in the Faculty’s physical environment
- Recognize the contributions of thinkers of African descent in all fields and include their contributions in our program