Beginning this month, the Centre for Human Rights, Equity and Inclusion (REI) at York University will launch its Respect, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (REDI) learning series for the 2018-19 academic year.
Moving beyond a curriculum exclusively dedicated towards human rights, the REDI series helps participants develop the capacity to embrace equity and inclusion. Sessions are open to all faculty, staff and students, and will explore how contemporary human rights issues affect our daily interactions. Workshop participants develop knowledge, skills and awareness to help create and uphold equitable and inclusive spaces.
Participants who attend at least three sessions receive a certificate of completion in human rights. York University community members can register and participate in sessions at any time of the year, which will go towards their certificate of completion in human rights. The full list of sessions is available on the REI website.
"Participating in the REDI program at Glendon was both insightful and liberating," said Teshini Harrison of the Glendon School of Public and International Affairs, Glendon College. "The Centre’s team was amazing throughout the entire experience. As a former employee, the program helped me to understand the perspectives and lived experiences of others, while providing me with the ability to articulate my own experiences openly.
"The program provides individuals with the tools to develop skills that improve institutional and employee practices and behaviours around diversity, equity and inclusion," Harrison continued. "More importantly, it also pushes individuals to approach such issues with a level of emotional intelligence, care and empathy for others. It would be great if York U as an institution led the way by making the program mandatory as a part of continuous professional development for all of its employees."
The REDI series is a free educational and professional development opportunity available to the entire campus community. Registration for the 2018-19 REDI sessions is now open online. Spaces are limited, and early registration is recommended.