In this conversation held on October 17, 2020, we reflected on the ‘strength’ of the ‘commitment to employment equity and diversity within the university community,’ and the efforts it takes to “contribute to the further diversification of [scholarly] ideas.” We examined the ways in which such commitments – commonly seen in universities’ Diversity Statement and job advertisements – are operationalized and hence evident in the hiring, retention and promotion of “designated group” scholars, as well as administrators and staff. For despite these statements of commitment to equity, diversity, access and inclusion, there are disconcerting paradoxes between the stated policies and the programs and practices of institutions. The fact is, as many have observed – and supported by research studies – even with the “multicultural” and community programs, the diverse student bodies, website images, and investigation reports, there continues to be lack of diversity amongst faculty.
Professor Carl James holds the Jean Augustine Chair in Education, Community and Diaspora in the Faculty of Education at York University, Toronto, where he is also the university’s Affirmative Action, Equity & Inclusivity Officer. An inter-disciplinary scholar, he holds cross-appointments in Graduate Programs in Sociology, Social and Political Thought, and Social Work. Prof. James’ research interests include: examination of how race, ethnicity, gender, class and citizenship/immigrant status intersect and affect accessible and equitable opportunities and outcomes in education, employment and the well-being of marginalized and racialized people – specializing in the experiences of African Canadians. He holds a PhD in Sociology; has authored and edited several books, book chapters, and journal articles; and has received numerous scholarly and community awards and recognitions. Prof. James is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, and was awarded an honorary doctorate from Uppsala University, Sweden where, as a visiting scholar, he taught in the Faculty of Education for 17 years. His publications include: “Colour Matters”: The Experiences, Education and Aspirations of Black Youth, and The Equity Myth: Racialization and Indigeneity at Canadian Universities (authored with F. Henry, E. Dua, A. Kobayashi, P. Li, H. Ramos, M.S. Smith).
This event is hosted by the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Reading Group and sponsored by the Office of the Vice Principal Academic & Dean, University of Toronto Scarborough. The Reading Group being launched at this event will offer a forum for open dialogue, engagement, and collaboration around issues of equity, diversity, and inclusion. All faculty are welcome. For further information about the Reading Group, please contact SiSi Tran, Department of Psychology; sisi.tran@utsc.utoronto.ca.
The Equity Matters Seminar Series provides an opportunity for the U of T Scarborough community to engage with prominent speakers on issues of equity, diversity and inclusion in academia. Seminars are open to faculty, librarians, graduate students, postdoctoral fellows and staff.