Based on community consultations, the Faith and Anti-Racism Framework provides the scaffolding for the University’s work in addressing issues where there is an intersection of faith-based and race-based identities. The Faith and Anti-Racism Inclusion Strategy implements the Faith and Anti-Racism Framework and articulates the goals and objectives of the IEO to meet and adapt to the evolving needs of the university’s faith-based communities experiencing racism and discrimination on campus.
Goal: To advance the University’s frameworks and capacity to address the intersectional experiences of faith- and race-based discriminations, to proactively foster inclusive campus environments, to build trust with and be responsive to the unique needs of faith-based communities across the tri-campus.
Strategy #1 in action: Educational programs, supports, and key initiatives addressing faith & race-based discrimination
- Launching a review of U of T’s Statement on Prohibited Discrimination and Discriminatory Harassment
- Updates to the Institutional Equity Commitments webpage
- Development of e-modules on issues of race, creed, and human rights, including antisemitism, Islamophobia, discrimination based on ethnic origin/place of origin (i.e., anti-Israeli and anti-Palestinian)
- Coordination of wellness supports, including in-person and online counselling sessions with Jewish-identifying and Muslim-identifying counsellors in response to community needs
- 1:1 coaching and consultation with people managers, EDI Leads, senior leaders, and program coordinators
Strategy #2 in action: Building trust and feedback mechanisms
- Supporting the work of the Muslim, Arab, and Palestinian Discrimination Working Group
- Consultation on e-learning series with subject matter experts and community leaders
- Community Check-in with over 100 members of University community
- Ongoing regular touchpoints with Muslim Student Association and Hillel U of T
- In collaboration with the Multi-Faith Centre, the development of drop-in spaces and other faith-inclusive programming
Strategy #3 in action: Increasing inclusive practices and responsiveness to religious accommodation requests
- IEO participation in a tri-campus food committee to increase culturally responsive and religiously-appropriate food availability for faith communities
- Sessions on inclusive event planning under development
- 1:1 coaching with departments on improving responsiveness to accommodating religious observances
- Interactive session on inclusive food practices being planned for EDI Leads
Strategy #4 in action: Capacity-building for Administrators / EDI Leads
- Complaints Resolution Supports – IEO working collaboratively with partners on complaints involving antisemitism, Islamophobia, and religious accommodation
- Recognizing and Addressing Race, Place of Origin & Creed-Based Discrimination in our Work Environment Training Session
- EDI in a Global Context webpage as hub and resource for administrators referring those from faith-based communities seeking supports
- EDI Lead Engagement Calendar, provides opportunities for learning and relationship building with Centre for Jewish Studies, Institute of Islamic Studies, Multi-Faith Centre