Changemakers

A Statement from President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda Lenton, Vice-President Equity, People & Culture Sheila Cote-Meek and the Indigenous Council at York University on National Indigenous History Month and the Discovery at Kamloops Indian Residential School | Déclaration de la présidente et vice-chancelière Rhonda Lenton, de la vice-présidente de l’équité, des personnes et de la culture Sheila Cote-Meek et du Conseil des affaires autochtones de l’Université York à l’occasion du Mois national de l’histoire autochtone et de la découverte au pensionnat indien de Kamloops

Each June, we mark National Indigenous History Month to celebrate the history, heritage and diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples in Canada. National Indigenous Peoples Day is June 21 every year. It is a day to recognize the outstanding contributions, unique heritage and cultures of First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples.  The discovery last week […]

A Statement from President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda Lenton on the Israel-Gaza Conflict | Déclaration de la présidente et vice-chancelière Rhonda Lenton au sujet du conflit Israël-Gaza

The conflict in Israel and Gaza has caused concern and distress for many members of the York community, including concern for their own safety and that of their loved ones, with increasingly charged and polarized rhetoric proliferated online and through social media. York University unequivocally opposes all manners of hate and discrimination, including anti-Semitism and […]

A Statement from York University President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda Lenton on the Passing of Dr. Robert Everett | Déclaration de la présidente et vice-chancelière de l’Université York, Rhonda Lenton, au sujet du décès de Robert Everett

It is with great sadness that the York University community has learned of the recent passing of Dr. Robert Everett, a distinguished and long-serving Senior Assistant Secretary of the University. He is remembered fondly by his colleagues for his subtle and authentic leadership in — and deep knowledge of — governance matters, his unwavering collegiality, his […]

A message from York’s senior administration about our commitment to combat racism, and strengthen equity and inclusion | Message de la haute direction de York quant à son engagement pour combattre le racisme et renforcer l’équité et l’inclusion

La version française suit la version anglaise. Dear York community, All members of our community must be able to enjoy a safe environment for work and study, free of violence, harassment, intimidation, bullying, and discrimination.  While York University considers paramount its obligations to maintain the privacy surrounding personnel matters, and carefully follows the collective agreement […]

A Statement from York University President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda Lenton on the Passing of Alain Baudot | Déclaration de la présidente et vice-chancelière de l'Université York Rhonda Lenton à l'occasion du décès d'Alain Baudot

It is with great sadness that the York University community learned of the passing of Professor Emeritus Alain Baudot, a founding member not only of the French Studies Department at York, but of Glendon College. Alain was one of the very first professors at Glendon. Among his many contributions to the University were the creation […]

A Statement from York University President Rhonda Lenton on the COVID-19 Situation in India | Message de la présidente de l’Université Rhonda Lenton au sujet de la situation de la COVID-19 en Inde

On behalf of everyone at York University, I want to share how deeply saddened we are by the devastating impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the people of India. As we watch the case counts and death toll rise in India and around the world, our thoughts remain with those who are currently residing in […]

Letter to the Ontario Human Rights Commission on York University’s Actions to Address Systemic Discrimination

Dear Chief Commissioner Chadha, Thank you for your letters dated December 18, 2020, and April 14, 2021. We welcome the opportunity to share with you the many initiatives and actions we have taken and continue to take at York University to address concerns of racism, including anti-Black racism and anti-Indigenous racism, as well as all forms […]

Statement by President Lenton on the verdict in the trial of Derek Chauvin for the murder of George Floyd

Anti-Black racism is a serious and systemic problem that exists in our society, and York University acknowledges its responsibility to help build more equitable and inclusive communities. We know that the verdict delivered in Minneapolis helps mark an important moment in building a more just society, but it must also serve to inspire meaningful action […]

Appointment of E. Louise Spencer as Acting Vice-President, Advancement | Nomination de E. Louise Spencer au poste de vice-présidente par intérim de l’avancement

Dear Colleagues, I am delighted to announce that E. Louise Spencer has been appointed Acting Vice-President, Advancement, effective April 1, 2021. In her current role as Assistant Vice-President, Development, Louise is responsible for the strategic direction and leadership of a team of 30 Advancement colleagues, who represent the faculties and key interests of the University, including the Annual […]

A Statement from President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda Lenton and Vice-President Equity, People & Culture Sheila Cote-Meek on Anti-Asian Racism | Déclaration de la présidente et vice-chancelière, Rhonda Lenton, et de la vice-présidente de l’équité, des personnes et de la culture, Sheila Cote-Meek, à propos du racisme anti-Asiatiques

The York University community is deeply saddened by the shootings of eight people in Georgia, including six women of Asian descent, highlighting a concerning rise in anti-Asian racism, including here in Canada.  York University denounces and condemns anti-Asian racism — and all forms of racism, violence and hatred — in the strongest possible terms. Maintaining […]