The third Annual Report on Black Inclusion is now available. The latest annual report features a comprehensive look at all 86 calls to action items, offering a clear account of progress on each item. It also provides a robust assessment of efforts to advance the action items, as well as insight into what more is needed to substantially shift institutional culture toward the inclusion and affirmation of the vibrance, diversity and depth of Black lives and experience.
“It is meaningful that over 70 per cent of action items have been completed or are on track. We should celebrate this and thank those who have made it happen” said Laina Y. Bay-Cheng, vice-president Equity, People & Culture. “However, these achievements shouldn’t be treated as endpoints. I hope we’ll use the progress evident in the report to keep up momentum and engage even more York community members in advancing Black inclusion initiatives.”
Some completed activities to date include:
Action Item: As part of our commitment to review campus security and explore alternative models for community safety, ensure that the lens of equity, diversity and inclusion is central, and that the process will include community consultation (e.g., townhalls, focus groups) with Black community members.
Results: The Security Services Review has been completed and recommendations for changes in service provision and community engagement are already being implemented.
Action Item: Support the development of a Black staff affiliation group and support ongoing activities.
Results: The York University Black Staff Network (YUBSN) was formed in 2021, with membership open to all Black people of African descent who occupy non-academic staff roles at the University.
Action Item: Hire a minimum of 12 new Black faculty over the next two years (2021-2023). Support departments’ readiness and develop their capacity to support Black colleagues.
Results: In fact, 35 Black Faculty members have been hired since 2021, with considerable effort and programming going into ensuring they encounter colleagues and a larger University community ready to support their success.
Action Item: Support the development of the Black Alumni Network, created in 2020, and its ongoing activities.
Results: The York University Black Alumni Network (YUBAN) continues to embody Black excellence with an energetic group of graduates, enthusiastic about mentorship and inspiring the minds of emerging thinkers and leaders.
Many additional items are progressing well but are still underway and so are listed as “on track” in the report. Some activities were postponed but remain active parts of this strategy.
Several themes emerged from the progress updates, and the report shares these insights. For instance, those who take on important initiatives often feel burdened by requests to report on it. This is a challenge that Equity, People & Culture and others across the university will try to address.
“It is important to continue to acknowledge and centre the voices of people from the Black community, some of whom have wondered whether this strategic effort will bring perceptible, meaningful change across York campuses for Black students, staff, and scholars,” said Lisa Cocketts, strategy and engagement specialist – Black Inclusion. “It is through a dynamic and evolving Action Plan as well as honest, full reporting that York can demonstrate its commitment to creating actual, positive change towards Black inclusion,” added Cocketts.
Community members are asked to join together in recognizing the hard work of the many contributors to the work of Black Inclusion and the progress the University has made, as updates such as this report are not possible without the efforts of many.
The York community is encouraged to review the Annual Report to learn more. Feedback can be provided by email to epcinfo@yorku.ca.