The following is a message from Detlev Zwick, interim dean, Schulich School of Business:
Recent deeply troubling acts of anti-Black racism serve as an important reminder that we all have a responsibility to build equitable and inclusive communities.
As one of the most diverse business schools in North America, Schulich has a long tradition of actively encouraging and supporting inclusivity and diversity. But we know that more must be done, particularly with regard to Black and Indigenous communities. The Schulich community and the school recognize our responsibility to listen and take action in combating anti-Black and anti-Indigenous racism.
With input from the Undergraduate Business Society and Graduate Business Council, we are announcing the formation of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Working Group with representatives from our students, faculty, staff and alumni.
The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Working Group will develop recommendations for concrete actions in the following five priority areas:
- identify ways to create greater Black and Indigenous representation among our students, staff and faculty;
- provide greater financial assistance and support to Black and Indigenous students;
- integrate Black and Indigenous perspectives into our curriculum and learning;
- strengthen our engagement with external stakeholders to overcome systemic anti-Black and anti-Indigenous racism; and
- foster a culture of active allyship with Black and Indigenous communities at Schulich.
I also want to update you regarding a number of immediate steps and initiatives already underway.
Schulich is currently in talks with other leading business schools in Ontario, including Ivey, Rotman and Queens, on a major joint initiative to tackle barriers for Black and Indigenous students, particularly from high schools in economically disadvantaged communities. The joint initiative will look at ways to provide enhanced mentorship and financial support, as well as develop high school programming to create greater awareness of business education opportunities following graduation.
We are creating learning modules with content on diversity, equity and inclusion. These modules will be mandatory for all incoming and current students at Schulich during orientation.
We are also bringing more diversity into our curriculum through existing and new course offerings.
The administration, faculty, staff and students at Schulich are ready to listen, learn and work together with those who face anti-Black and anti-Indigenous racism. Collectively, we continue to promote the values of respect, equity, diversity and inclusion at Schulich and within the wider business community. We know that much work still needs to be done and I look forward to sharing the recommendations of the working group.
Sincerely,
Detlev Zwick
Interim Dean
Schulich School of Business