Creating positive change for a more inclusive future
In wasn’t long ago that graduating classes, especially in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics or “STEM” faculties, more closely resembled a 1950s men’s varsity team than the surrounding population. At York, we believe that our core values of diversity, equity, and inclusion need to be at the forefront of all our work in order to create positive change, both locally and globally.
At York, our dedication to our core values not only shapes what we do but who we are as a community. This year, York was ranked first in Canada and 10th in the world for our actions towards Gender Equality and first in Canada and ninth in the world for Reduced inequalities by the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings. While we’re proud of this recognition for our impact on the United Nations sustainable development goals, we see this as a sign of positive momentum rather than a culmination. We are proud to boast Canada’s first University to offer graduate programs in Gender, Feminist, and Women’s Studies.
York students benefit from a more inclusive academic experience where diversity of backgrounds and perspectives is a great source of pride. With over 300+ clubs and organizations, there will be one that sparks your interest. The university also introduced an “Inclusion Lens”, an online event management tool to help students create inclusive events. In addition York programs like WISE (Women In Science and Engineering) and ELLA (Entrepreneurial Leadership & Learning Alliance) work to improve gender equality and success in areas of business, entrepreneurship, science, engineering, arts, technology and more. Programs like this, allow us to extend our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion into the community and beyond. We do this not just out of passion but because we truly believe that in order to create genuine positive change in the world, we all need a seat at the table.
