The York University Black Staff Network (YUBSN) was formed in August 2020 to foster a strong, sustainable Black community at York University and increase representation at all levels in the continuous pursuit of academic enhancement, equity, fairness, social justice and systemic change.
YUBSN is committed to Black excellence and inclusion through networking, collaboration and knowledge-sharing. This network is comprised entirely of non-academic employees who self-identify as Black – this includes all non-academic staff across all employee groups and/or bargaining units spanning all York University campuses including the York U – TD Community Engagement Centre.
The YUBSN sets out to:
- Provide a peer support network and be a source of encouragement to its members;
- Engage with university administration leadership, bargaining partners, and Equity, Diversity & Inclusion committees, to both raise awareness of the challenges faced by non-academic Black employees at the University as well as be active participants in helping to address these challenges;
- Encourage Black employees to self-identify through the employment equity self-identification process:
- Analyze employment equity data to ensure accurate interpretation and focus, as well as encourage the use of this data;
- Communicate the priorities, activities and progress of YUBSN to the Black and wider communities;
- Support and promote professional and career development of Black staff members within the University community.
The University consults with the YUBSN on matters with respect to matters affecting the membership.