Equity, Diversity, Inclusivity & Accessibility

To:                   The Dalhousie University community  

From:              Theresa Rajack-Talley, Vice-Provost, Equity and Inclusion 
                        Barbara Hamilton-Hinch, Assistant Vice-Provost, Equity and Inclusion          

Re:                   African Heritage Month at Dalhousie  

February is Black History Month (also known as African American History Month in the US), which in Nova Scotia was renamed African Heritage Month (AHM) in 1996. Dalhousie joins with the rest of Canada, the U.S., and the world to commemorate Black History – African Heritage Month and honour our Black students, staff, faculty, and wider community members who continue to make invaluable contributions to our institution and society.

This year, Canada’s national theme for Black History Month is “Black Excellence: A Heritage to Celebrate; a Future to Build,” while the provincial theme for African Heritage Month is "Our Smiles, Our Joy, Our Resilience as African Nova Scotians." For our own community celebrations, Dalhousie has combined these themes under the title of "Reflect, Rest and Revive" — celebrating and reflecting on the many successes born out of Black resistance and recognizing the importance of self-care, self-awareness, and renewal. Dalhousie’s President, Kim Brooks, calls on all of us “to explore and celebrate the rich history and contributions of the African diaspora communities who have been an integral part of Dalhousie’s growth and culture and made us a more inclusive institution.”

Many of the things Dalhousie celebrates and highlights for AHM are the result of years of effort of dedicated Black students, faculty, staff, community members, and allies. To note just a few: we celebrate last year’s appointment of Dalhousie’s first Black Chancellor, Rustum Southwell, one of Nova Scotia’s most prominent community and business leaders and whose work to shepherd the creation and expansion of hundreds of Black-owned businesses and to champion Black participation in economic development strategies has helped build a stronger, more diverse province and business community. Grace Jefferies-Aldridge joined our community earlier this year as Dalhousie’s inaugural Vice-President People and Culture. She is the university’s first African Nova Scotian Vice-President (in its 200-year history) — a significant and long overdue milestone. As VP People and Culture, Grace brings her stellar intellect and skills to strengthen our Human Resources structure, processes, and inclusion at Dalhousie.  

Black Excellence as an outcome of Black resilience has also resulted in expanded opportunities for Dalhousie students to engage in Black scholarship through three newly launched Black Studies-focused programs. An Africentric Bachelor of Social Work (ABSW) Cohort program started earlier this fall that aims to break down barriers, ease pressures on the health-care system, and create a more robust and diverse social work sector, among other objectives. The Black and African Diaspora Studies (BAFD), also new at Dalhousie, is a program where students “can explore the historical, societal, and cultural dimensions of African Canadian life and the global Black world” and “learn from the experiences of Black resilience, empowerment, and contributions.” And the Black Learners Admission Pathways will help facilitate entrance into medical school by assessing applications using a holistic file review. This new program will “diversify the health care workforce.” These programs — with few or no similar programs offered in Canada — were the result of decades of struggles by Black students and faculty advocating for Black inclusiveness at all levels in the academy. We are reminded of the International Congress of Black Writers organized by students at McGill in 1968 and the student unrest at Sir George Williams University (SGWU), now Concordia, in 1969, which were the culmination of years of frustration by Black students at Canadian universities who wanted a more diverse and inclusive academy.

Black resistance and resilience to racist discriminatory practices have also been observed in recreation on and off campuses, nationally and internationally. Dalhousie is proud to acknowledge another milestone in the signing of Recreation Nova Scotia (RNS) Anti-Racism Charter. This Charter specifically addresses the harm and exclusion caused by racism in recreation and sport and is a reflective, proactive, and systemic approach to making recreation and sport welcoming and inclusive for everyone in Nova Scotia.  This initiative has spurred the Office of Equity and Inclusion office’s annual HRES conference this March to focus on “Race and Sports.”   

It is important to note that all the milestones identified in this memo speak to Dalhousie's operationalization of the Scarborough Charter on Anti-Black Racism and Black Flourishing [PDF-9.1MB] at universities and colleges across Canada.

For an overview of all Dalhousie and community events happening during African Heritage Month 2024, visit the Human Rights & Equity Services website and/or the Black Cultural Centre website.

We extend a warm and heartfelt invitation to join us at Dalhousie’s Annual African Heritage Month Launch Day event and Flag-raising Ceremony on Feb. 1 at 12:00 noon. The main event will be held at the LeMarchant Building, followed by a ceremonial flag raising on the Studley Quad at 1:30pm. This gathering has been and continues to be the capstone event for our university community to not only recognize multifaceted identities and rich legacies of Peoples of African Descent but also join in communion with one another to celebrate.

To:       The Dalhousie University and University of King’s College community

From:      Theresa Rajack-Talley, Vice-Provost, Equity and Inclusion
           Judy MacDonald (Co-Chair) Faculty & Staff (dis)Ability Caucus
           Tereigh Ewert (Co-Chair), Faculty & Staff (dis)Ability Caucus
                    Michelle Mahoney (Co-Chair), Faculty and Staff (dis)Ability Caucus; Accessibility Officer, University of King’s College           

Re:           Accessibility Week (Nov 27 to Dec 3) and the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (Dec 3)

Dear Dalhousie and King’s community,

In 1992, the United Nations General Assembly instated December 3 as the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) to be observed and celebrated annually. The UN IDPD day of recognition amplifies (dis)ability communities’ voices and their priorities, endeavours to raise ableism awareness, and to mobilize a society committed to the dignity, rights, and well-being of persons with disabilities.

The 2023 IDPD theme is “United in action to rescue and achieve the SDGs [Sustainable Development Goals] for, with, and by persons with disabilities.” Preliminary findings from the forthcoming UN Disability and Development Report, 2023, galvanized this year’s theme. These findings indicate there have been insufficient global efforts to effectively realize the SDGs for persons with disabilities. Those in the world’s poorest regions, and those in times of social, political, and/or climate crisis have been woefully failed. The 2023 theme invocates redoubled efforts to reconfirm and reignite the SDGs for, with, and by persons with disabilities.

Dalhousie and King’s join with other universities, wider national and international communities, as well as the United Nations in our commitment to the fulfillment of all human rights for persons with disabilities.   

Dalhousie commits to solidarity, plans, and actions, piloted by the Dalhousie University Accessibility Committee (DUAC), in accordance with the 2017 Nova Scotia Accessibility Act.  Using a highly collaborative approach, DUAC developed and submitted the Dalhousie Accessibility Plan to the Nova Scotia Accessibility Directorate. It is joined in this effort by the University of King’s College Accessibility Plan. Countless faculty, staff, and students across both universities are working tirelessly to achieve our ambitious yet achievable goals. Our aspiration is to not only meet but to also exceed the Accessibility Act standards.

The plan, its spirit, and its concrete goals inspired a new annual event: Dalhousie Accessibility Week. In its second year, Accessibility Week 2023 offers an exciting series of events, resources, First-Voice stories, and initiatives commencing November 27 and culminating on the International Day for Persons with Disabilities (Dec. 3), with additional events stretching into early December. Accessibility Week events are listed on the Dalhousie Accessibility site.

Dalhousie and King’s diverse (dis)ability community members’ insights, voices, priorities, and guidance are integral to our challenging and critical work as we move forward to a future that is accessible to all who work and study on and visit our campuses. Collectively, we can ‘create the change we want to see’ and also lend our collective voices to “unite in action to rescue and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals for, with, and by persons with disabilities.”

The Dalhousie Faculty and Staff (dis)Ability Caucus is an affinity space in which members grow friendships, share encounters with ableism, learn from one another about effectively navigating barriers, and form a collective voice with volume. Facing outward, members play a vital role serving on various Dal committees, noting ableist barriers and ways in which Dalhousie policies, practices, and procedures can be made accessible and inclusive. All Dalhousie staff and faculty who live with a disability are invited to join the Caucus; please reach out to one of the co-chairs for more information. Plans for a similar space for the King’s community are in development.

Dear colleagues, as our community progresses in achieving the goals of our Accessibility Plan and in fully recognizing, meeting and sustaining the rights of persons with disabilities, let us acknowledge and appreciate the tremendous contributions those us with disabilities make to our academy and communities every day.

To:         The Dalhousie University community  

From:    Theresa Rajack-Talley, Vice-Provost, Equity & Inclusion 
              Catherine Martin, Director, Indigenous Community Engagement  

Re:         A weekend of reflection and reconciliation  

Kwe,  

This weekend is an extremely important one here at Dalhousie and in Mi'kma'ki. It is a time for honouring and learning from the past as we reflect on our commitments and responsibilities now and into the future.  

On Saturday, we commemorate the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day, while Sunday is Treaty Day here in Nova Scotia and the launch of Mi’kmaq History Month.  

Says President Kim Brooks: “Commemorating the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day and celebrating Mi’kmaq History Month is of great significance for all members of the Dalhousie community. This coming weekend, throughout the month of October, and beyond, I hope you’ll join me in learning, reflecting, and taking action to advance reconciliation across our campuses and in our communities.”  

Commemorating the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation & Orange Shirt Day  

Each year, September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The day honours the children who never returned home and Survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities. Dalhousie joins with many others on our campus and in our broader community to commemorate this tragic and painful history and recognize the ongoing impacts of residential schools. We encourage our students, faculty, staff, and families, on this day in particular, to reflect and participate in activities organized on and off our campus.  Taking the time to learn more and act is how we collectively engage in reconciliation.

September 30 is also Orange Shirt Day, an Indigenous-led grassroots commemorative day to send a message that “Every Child Matters” and that it was a violation of human rights for residential schools to violently attempt to strip away the culture, freedom, and self-esteem of Indigenous children that they had experienced over generations. We invite Dal community — particularly our student population — to wear orange on Saturday and engage in activities organized to honour the thousands of Survivors and those students who never got to go home.  

On September 30, Dalhousie will light up the Henry Hicks clock tower in orange and raise the orange “Every Child Matters” flag to acknowledge the inter-generational impacts of residential schools.  The flag will continue to fly throughout Mi’kmaq History Month in October.  

Learn more about campus and community activities for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation & Orange Shirt Day.

Commemorating & celebrating Treaty Day and Mi’kmaq History Month

Following TRC Day and Orange Shirt Day is Treaty Day and the start of Mi’kmaq History Month - Wi’kipatmu’k Mi'kmawey.  

In 1993, Premier John Savage and Mi’kmaw Grand Chief Ben Sylliboy designated October as the official month to recognize and celebrate Mi’kmaw culture and heritage. The month begins with Treaty Day (October 1) which speaks to the 1752 Peace and Friendship Treaty. When we acknowledge “we are all treaty people,” it is in reference to treaties such as this which are intended to guide our relationships on lands the Mi’kmaq have called home for thousands of years. These treaties are part of a long tradition of relationship-making meant to protect Indigenous ways of life with reciprocity and respect.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the proclamation recognizing October as Mi’kmaq History Month. The Mi’kmaq History Month Committee has selected to focus on Mi’kmaw Sports, Traditional Games and Pastimes. This year’s commemorative poster reflects how sports, games and pastimes have long helped young minds grow into ways of thinking, moving and being as adults.  

It is a fitting theme given the North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) were held here this past summer in Kjipuktuk (Halifax), Dartmouth and Millbrook First Nation, bringing together 756 Indigenous Nations to celebrate, share and reconnect through sport and culture in. Dalhousie was one of many proud hosts for the young athletes and we were honoured to support NAIG’s mission to improve the quality of life for Indigenous Peoples by supporting self-determined sports and cultural activities which encourage equal access to participation in the social / cultural / spiritual fabric of the community in which they reside and which respects Indigenous distinctiveness.  

Dalhousie’s faculty, staff, students and alumni join with other Nova Scotians throughout October to celebrate and build awareness of Mi'kmaq history and heritage, and to increase understanding of the rich Mi'kmaq culture. This is a month to learn, to reflect, to listen and to share. Dalhousie University respects its relationship with the Mi’kmaq community and has opened a Community Engagement Sub-Office located in Millbrook First Nation in April this year as part of a shared vision and partnership with the Native Women’s Association and Millbrook First Nation to be used for educational and outreach purposes.  

On October 18, Dalhousie will host our 13th annual Mawio’mi in Halifax, one of our university’s most beloved annual gatherings. All are invited to attend and take part in the food and festivities.  

We also invite students and our entire Dal community to visit the display created by students and staff at Halifax West in honour of Red Dress Day, which is an annual event in memory of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women across Canada. The interactive exhibit is currently on display in the Killam Library, and aims to inspire conversations and questions about the tragedy of violence against Indigenous women and children.  

For other activities related to Mi’kmaq History Month occurring on and off campus visit our website.  

To:           The Dalhousie University community

From:      Theresa Rajack-Talley, Vice-Provost, Equity & Inclusion
                 Rick Ezekiel, Vice-Provost Student Affairs  
                 Olivia Fader, 2SLGBTQIA+ Advisor

Re:          Pride Flag Raising and BBQ

Each spring and summer, people around the world recognize Pride and celebrate 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals and communities. As we celebrate Pride, it is important that we reflect upon the origins and history of the Pride movement, and the experience of 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals.

We welcome the community to join us as we raise the Progress Pride Flag tomorrow, Thursday, July 13, 2023 at 3:30pm, in the Studley Quad. The flag raising will be followed by a BBQ in the Risley Hall courtyard, with food provided and a cash bar.

For a full listing of Pride activities on campus and in the Halifax community, visit:

• Dalhousie events: Human Rights & Equity Services
• Community events (Halifax): Halifax Pride events calendar

Have a safe and happy Pride!

To:     The Dalhousie University community

From:     Frank Harvey, President and Vice-Chancellor (Acting)
                Theresa Rajack-Talley, Vice-Provost, Equity and Inclusion
         Catherine Martin, Director, Indigenous Community Engagement

Re:        North American Indigenous Games

Kwe’

From July 15-23, the North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) will take place across Kjipuktuk (Halifax), Dartmouth, Millbrook Mi'kmaw Community, and Sipekne'katik Mi'kmaw Community, bringing together 756 Indigenous Nations from all corners of Turtle Island. The NAIG will be the largest multi-sport games ever hosted by the city, with over 5,000 participants.

Dalhousie was proud to support Halifax’s bid for the NAIG and will welcome more than 1,100 athletes, coaches, and staff to campus this week to stay in residence and dine in meal halls while they take part in the Games. Athletes staying on campus will have access to campus tours and programming through Dalhousie’s Indigenous Student Centre.

Dalhousie is also pleased to serve as a sporting venue for the Games, hosting swimming and basketball events at the Dalplex and Sexton Gym. Additionally, the Faculty of Architecture and Planning has also collaborated with NAIG organizers and Mi’kmaq communities on the Brave Space project. The Brave Space on the Studley quad and other Dal venues, such as the Indigenous Student Centre, the Ko'jua room and the Gord Downie and Chanie Wenjack Legacy Space in the Killam Memorial Library, will provide participants with safe and comforting places to reconnect, regroup, and reground on campus.

Throughout the Games, we encourage all members of our Dalhousie community to do everything they can to act as allies and create a warm and welcoming environment for participants who may be travelling away from home or staying on their own in residence for the first time. Whether through simple actions like providing directions or answering questions, by attending a sporting event on campus, or by visiting the Cultural Village at the Halifax Commons, there are many opportunities to showcase our Dalhousie hospitality and commitment to inclusivity.

This is also a wonderful opportunity to educate ourselves and others about the significance of the Games and to celebrate sport and culture with the Indigenous community.     

Thank you to the Dalhousie employees who are helping host NAIG athletes and events, both as part of their day-to-day roles on campus or as volunteers in the community. Please note that anyone who wants to enjoy the Games may attend events free of charge and without tickets — including swimming and basketball events on campus.

We invite you to join us in showing these special guests how welcoming Dalhousie University can be and in doing our part to make the 10th North American Indigenous Games a success.

For more information about the NAIG games, visit naig2023.com.   

Wela'lioq. Msit No'kmaq.

To:          The Dalhousie University community

From:     Theresa Rajack-Talley, Vice-Provost, Equity & Inclusion
                Rick Ezekiel, Vice-Provost Student Affairs  
                Olivia Fader, 2SLGBTQIA+ Advisor

Re:          Celebrating Pride

Each spring and summer, people around the world recognize Pride and celebrate 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals and communities. In much of North America, June is designated as Pride Month, with communities in Nova Scotia celebrating Pride at various points throughout the summer. Truro will hold pride celebrations this month, while Halifax Pride hosts celebrations in mid-July. Dalhousie University will be participating in both community parades (on June 24 in Truro and July 23 in Halifax), in addition to campus community events, and welcomes all community members to participate. June is also National Indigenous History Month, and accordingly it is important we recognize the contributions of Two-Spirit and Indigenous 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals and communities of Nova Scotia, and the Wabanaki Two-Spirit Alliance.

As we celebrate Pride, it is important that we reflect upon the grassroot origins of the Pride movement, often led by some of the most marginalized in the community, namely trans women of colour. Over the past year, we have seen some segments of our societies emboldened in their backlash against the 2SLGBTQIA+ community locally and globally. This has included regressive policies undermining 2SLGBTQIA+ visibility, safety and inclusion in several Canadian and American school districts, development and implementation of anti-trans and anti-queer legislation and rhetoric, including criminalizing and endorsing state violence against these identities in some countries. Additionally, members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community experience invalidation and violence in day-to-day life, including anti-queer censorship, denial of health services, destruction of 2SLGBTQIA+ symbols of inclusion, dead-naming / misnaming, misgendering, and negative representations of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in social media. In spite of these experiences and systemic barriers, 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals demonstrate strength and continue to thrive while making immense contributions to our research and educational purpose within the Dalhousie community.

“Recognizing our shared commitment to building a more inclusive society, our 2SLGBTQIA+ faculty, staff, students, and administrators should feel supported, included, and appreciated at Dalhousie by all members of our university community,” says Acting President and Vice-Chancellor Frank Harvey. “We know that members of equity-deserving groups are often expected to educate and lead — above and beyond their regular workload. We understand the need to shift accountability more broadly by embracing our collective responsibility to champion EDIAD initiatives across our campuses.”

Some of these efforts include:

• A faculty and staff-led Queer Caucus
• Name change working group
• Gender Affirming Health Services
• 2SLGBTQIA+ Advisor for student support
• Housing the Nova Scotia LGBT Seniors Archive
• Significant contributions to scholarship, policy, and practice efforts to enhance 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion led by a large number of faculty, staff and leaders with lived experience and expertise in this area.

These efforts, along with our Pride celebrations at Dalhousie, are part of many ongoing and evolving commitments to ensure that members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities are included within the fabric of the university, and that we can authentically express all aspects of our human identities, including diverse sexual orientations and gender identities, while experiencing a sense of belonging and thriving at Dalhousie.

We recognize that we have much work still to do within our own community and our broader societies, and that meaningful change only happens through collective effort and commitment: we all have important roles to play in building a more inclusive community, and we hope Pride events can help accelerate commitments. Let us use this occasion to recommit to actions that reduce exclusion and discrimination faced by members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities on our campus, locally, nationally, and globally.

Dalhousie Pride Events

The Progress Pride Flag will be raised on the Agricultural Campus on Friday, June 23 at 12 pm at the amphitheatre. Details for the Studley campus flag raising, which will take place ahead of Halifax’s Pride celebration, will be shared on the Dalhousie Pride website closer to the date.

Students, alumni, faculty, and staff are also invited to join the Dalhousie University group marching in the Truro Pride Parade and the Halifax Pride Parade. The Truro parade is taking place on Saturday, June 24, with the Halifax parade taking place Sunday, July 23. Both are rain or shine, so please dress appropriately. For more information on participation in the parade, please click here.

For a full listing of Pride activities on campus and in the community, visit:

• Dalhousie events: Human Rights & Equity Services
• Community events (Truro): Truro Pride events calendar
• Community events (Halifax): Halifax Pride events calendar

Have a safe and happy Pride!

To:         The Dalhousie University community

From:     Frank Harvey, President and Vice-Chancellor (Acting)
                Kim Brooks, Provost and Vice President Academic (Acting)
                Theresa Rajack-Talley, Vice-Provost Equity and Inclusion                          

Re:     Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM)

NOTE: This message discusses sexualized violence. Support services are highlighted at the bottom of this memo.   

Each year, during the month of April, we take the opportunity to raise awareness about sexual assault and educate communities and individuals on how to prevent sexualized violence. Dalhousie joins with government agencies, businesses, other campuses and community-based organizations in the province, country and internationally, and particularly with those who provide services and support to sexualized violence survivors, to spotlight Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM).

As is made clear in our Sexualized Violence Policy, “sexualized violence undermines the full, free and safe participation of all members of the university community by creating intimidating, hostile, or unsafe living, learning, and working conditions, environments and experiences, which can negatively impact an individuals’ academic and/or employment performance and status.” We ask all our community members to join us this month and engage in education about consent and action to prevent sexualized violence.

Throughout the weeks ahead, you can expect to hear more from us through dissemination of information about the resources available on campus, discussions in forums like Senate and Dean’s Council, and stories shared through Dal News or the university’s social channels.

To launch the month, we wanted to share information on some important Dal initiatives and resources.

Campus research project

In an effort to further understand, track and act on incidents of sexualized violence against students, Dalhousie has agreed to join other Canadian universities in a survey-based research project led by McGill University entitled IMPACTS: Collaborations to Address Sexual Violence on Campus, funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada. The information gathered will be analysed and used to improve university policies and programs on sexual violence generally and specifically for our Dalhousie community. Students who receive the survey link are encouraged to complete it and help contribute to the much-needed research about the prevalence and impacts of sexualized violence in our community.

The Purple Folder: How to respond to disclosures of sexualized violence

Members of the campus community are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Dalhousie Purple Folder. The Purple Folder offers support for how to respond when someone shares an experience of sexualized violence and reminds our community about resources and supports, including referral options, that exist on campus and in the community.

Break the Silence NS: A free online course

Developed through the provincial government, Break the Silence NS offers a free online training course for anyone who wants to learn more about sexualized violence and how to support someone who has survived it.

Dalhousie’s Human Rights & Equity Services (HRES)

Dalhousie’s Human Rights and Equity Services is responsible for the administration of the Dalhousie Sexualized Violence Policy, which outlines processes in supporting disclosures and reports of sexualized violence. The Sexualized Violence Advisor, Lyndsay Anderson, is trained to help individuals who have experienced sexualized violence. The Sexualized Violence Advisor offers confidential support and assistance to any member of the Dalhousie Community – contact hres@dal.ca or call 902-494-6672 for more information or to book an appointment.   

Other resources:

• Student supports:
  • Students who require immediate support should contact Dalhousie’s Student Health & Wellness Services. Appointments can be booked online or by phone: 902-494-2171 (Halifax); 902-893-6369 (Truro).  
    
  • For additional mental health supports, visit the Student Health & Wellness website.
• Faculty and staff supports:
  
  • Faculty and staff resources are available through our Employee Family Assistance Program, which can be accessed at http://dal.lifeworks.com. Employees are also reminded of available Blue Cross medical coverage for mental health benefits. Please also visit our employee resources site for additional mental health resources.
• Dalhousie Security is responsible for the safety and security of the Dal community and operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Security is trained as first responders. The DalSAFE app also connects the university community directly to HRES and other resources to support survivors.
• Nova Scotia mental health crisis line: 1-888-429-8167 
• Avalon Sexual Assault Centre: 902-422-4240

To:          The Dalhousie University community 

From:     Kim Brooks, Provost & Vice-President Academic (Acting) 
               Alice Aiken, Vice-President Research & Innovation 
               Gitta Kulczycki, Vice-President Finance & Administration 
               Sheila Blair-Reid, Vice-President Advancement (Acting) 
        Theresa Rajack-Talley, Vice-Provost Equity & Inclusion

Re: International Women's Day 

Each year, March 8 is commemorated globally as International Women’s Day (IWD) to celebrate the contributions women make to society while, at the same time, bringing attention to the challenges they continue to face here in our communities and around the globe.

The United Nations (UN) theme for this year’s International Women’s Day is “DigitALL: Innovation and Technology for Gender Equality.” As the UN describes, the theme shines a light on, “women [who] have made untold contributions to the digital world in which we increasingly live but whose accomplishments have been against all odds, in a field that has historically neither welcomed nor appreciated them.”

Dalhousie leads by example, and while we know that we have a lot more to do, we are proud of the work our community has done so far to increase representation and access for women in digital fields and to engage in inclusive research and partnerships that broaden digital knowledges and practices.

To offer a few examples of the kind of work going on around Dalhousie, the number of women studying Engineering at Dalhousie has more than doubled and the number of women studying Computer Science has nearly tripled over the past decade. Students have formed groups like the Women in Technology Society. Faculty members and partners are seeking change in New York this week at the 67th session of the Commission on the Status of Women in New York, where the priority theme is, “Innovation and technological change, and education in the digital age for achieving gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls.” And our Digital Strategy explicitly centres EDIA as a shared value.   

In honour of DigitALL, we express our appreciation and recognition for women on our campuses who are breaking historic gender barriers and making incredible contributions to our digital world.

We all have a responsibility to make Dalhousie more inclusive and more equitable for women, girls, Two-Spirit, trans, gender-expansive, and non-binary people. Today is a reminder to call out, stand up, and act to eliminate gender bias, discrimination, and stereotyping on our campuses and in society.

To:                 The Dalhousie University community 

From:            Theresa Rajack-Talley, Vice-Provost, Equity and Inclusion  
                       Ronke Taiwo, Dalhousie Black Student Advisor 
                       Guyleigh Johnson, Advisor, Black Student Advising Centre    

Re:                  African Heritage Month at Dalhousie  

Every year, in the month of February, people around the world observe Black History Month. The month is also known as African American History Month in the U.S. and in Nova Scotia was renamed African Heritage Month (AHM) in 1996. It has become an annual global remembrance of important people and events in the history of the African Diaspora. Dalhousie joins with the rest of Canada, the U.S., and the world to commemorate Black History–African Heritage Month and honour our Black students, staff, and faculty members who continue to make valuable contributions to our institution and society.

Dalhousie recognizes this year’s African Heritage Month provincial theme, Seas of Struggle – African Peoples from Shore to Shore, which reflects the struggles that people of African descent faced from the shores of Africa to the shores of Nova Scotia.  African Heritage Month presents an opportunity to spotlight the history of people of African descent in the development of Canada and the adversity they had to overcome, including the impacts of being enslaved and anti-Black racism. But it is also about celebrating the triumphs and rich cultural heritage of Black people spanning centuries of Black resistance, perseverance, resilience, and success. This includes the experiences and contributions of the African Nova Scotian communities who have been here for over 400 years.  

Given this year’s AHM theme, we want to recognize the Black Student Advising Centre (BSAC) as a common space where students of the Diaspora, from shore to shore, are supported at Dalhousie. According to Dr. Barb Hamilton Hinch, Assistant Vice-Provost for Equity & Inclusion and former Dal Black Student Advisor at the BSAC:    

The centre was opened in October 1989 on Dalhousie’s Halifax campus following the ‘Breaking Barriers’ Report on the systematic barriers faced by Black and Indigenous Students and the advocacy work of the Black Canadian Student Association. The centre was initially developed to be a home away from home for African Nova Scotian students coming from the 52 African Nova Scotian communities. Many students would travel great distances to attend university and it was not always possible for students to find a safe space to gather, especially between classes.    

Currently, the Black Student Advising Centre serves all Black students of African descent in the Diaspora which comprises African Nova Scotian, African Canadians, and Black Diaspora/International students. The BSAC aims to support Black students through personal, academic, financial, social, and cultural challenges they experience while at Dalhousie. Dalhousie is proud of the BSAC and its continued success in serving shore-to-shore students from the African Diaspora.

The work of the BSAC and other units that centre on Black students, faculty, and staff are all in sync with Dalhousie’s commitments to anti-Black racism and Black Flourishing outlined in the Scarborough Charter which the university signed in 2021, and to the ANS community which it identified as one of its priority communities in its Strategic Plan 2021-2026: Third Century Promise. Dalhousie also joins the University of King’s College and the Black Cultural Centre to host the first Universities Studying Slavery Conference outside of the U.S. in October 2023 — an event that will address the impact of Slavery, Reparations, and Education: African Nova Scotia, Canada, and Beyond.  

Please take the time this month and every month to celebrate and understand African heritage in Canada, Nova Scotia, and at Dalhousie — to recommit learning and acting, reflecting and celebrating the contributions of people from the African Diaspora far and near, and collectively continue in the struggle for a more equitable future. We encourage everyone to use this month to further engage in events, programming, and learning opportunities on campus and in our broader community.  

The Office for Equity and Inclusion invites you to join in on Wednesday, February 1, 2023 for the launch of African Heritage Month and flag-raising at Dalhousie University. The event will begin at 11:00 am in the LeMarchant Place atrium with a brief program which will then move to the Studley Quad for the raising of the flag at approximately 11:30 am. We will alternate the flying of the Pan-African flag and African Nova Scotian flag on the Halifax and Truro campuses throughout February. For an overview of Dalhousie and community events happening during African Heritage Month 2023, visit the Human Rights & Equity Services website and/or the Black Cultural Centre website.

To:    The Dalhousie University Community

From:  Theresa Rajack-Talley, Vice-Provost, Equity and Inclusion
               Judy MacDonald (Co-Chair) Faculty & Staff (dis)Ability Caucus
               Tereigh Ewert (Co-Chair), Faculty & Staff (dis)Ability Caucus 
       Michelle Mahoney (Co-Chair), Faculty & Staff (dis) Ability Caucus

Re:      Accessibility Week and the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (Dec.3)

Dear Dalhousie Community,

December 3 marks the annual observance of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, a day used to promote and recommit to the everyday understanding of disability barriers and mobilize support for the dignity, rights, and well-being of persons with a disability. This year, the theme for the International Day of Persons with Disabilities is Transformative solutions for inclusive development: the role of innovation in fuelling an accessible and equitable world. Dalhousie joins with the rest of Canada and the world in using this occasion to promote respect for and the full and equal access of persons with disabilities in all aspects of society.

Here at Dalhousie, this goal is being advanced through the establishment and work of the Dalhousie University Accessibility Committee (DUAC), which is linked to the 2017 Nova Scotia Accessibility Act. In 2022, Dalhousie released its first university-wide Accessibility Plan. The plan, created through years of collaboration and consultation, lays out a detailed roadmap for ensuring Dal meets Nova Scotia's goal of being fully accessible by 2030.

This year, Dal has also launched a new annual initiative called Dalhousie Accessibility Week (Nov. 28-Dec. 5). A series of events and initiatives planned for the week will offer members of the Dal community a window into what it's like to live with a disability and steps the university is taking to reduce barriers to access on its campuses. Learn more about Accessibility Week events and initiatives here.   

Disabilities come in all shapes and forms, and it is important we listen to and learn from people in the community to better understand the barriers faced across disability experiences. To make space for listening and learning, the Office for Equity & Inclusion and Dal’s (dis)Ability Caucus, is hosting its next Speak Truth to Power Forum on Monday, December 5 (3:30-5 pm), with a panel of individuals with lived experience who will speak to Accessibility in Action through Awareness.

At Dal, we recognize accessibility as a human right — a principle exemplified so well by the advocacy and support offered by the university’s (dis)Ability Caucus. The Caucus provides staff and faculty with (dis)Abilities a safe, communal space to discuss encounters with barriers and ableism, to advocate for one another, share resources and strategies, and to amplify a collective voice that draws attention to accessibility barriers. Members play a vital role in serving on various Dal committees focusing on making the institution more accessible and inclusive.

Dear colleagues, while our community continues to work toward implementing Dal’s Accessibility Plan, let us at the same time acknowledge the many and significant contributions people with disabilities make from within our academy and communities every day.

To:     The Dalhousie University community

From:   Deep Saini, President and Vice-Chancellor
                Theresa Rajack-Talley, Vice-Provost Equity, and Inclusion
          Catherine Martin, Director of Indigenous Community Engagement 

Re:      Mi’kmaq History Month

Dear Dalhousie community:

Kwe'! For the past 29 years the month of October has been officially declared as Mi’kmaq History Month - Wi’kipatmu’k Mi'kmawey. In 1993, Premier John Savage and Mi’kmaw Grand Chief Ben Sylliboy designated October as the official month to recognize and celebrate Mi’kmaw culture and heritage. The month begins with Treaty Day (October 1) which speaks to the 1752 Peace and Friendship Treaty. When we acknowledge “we are all treaty people,” it is in reference to treaties such as this which to this day guide our relationships on lands the Mi’kmaq have called home for thousands of years. These treaties are part of a long tradition of relationship-making meant to protect Indigenous ways of life with reciprocity and respect.

Dalhousie’s faculty, staff, students and alumni join with other Nova Scotians to celebrate and build awareness of Mi'kmaq history and heritage, and to increase understanding of the rich Mi'kmaq culture. This is a month to learn, to reflect, to listen and to share.

On Wednesday, Dalhousie will host our 12th annual Mawio’mi in Halifax, one of our university’s most beloved annual gatherings. All are invited to attend and take part in the food and festivities.

Dalhousie proudly and permanently flies the Mi’kmaq Grand Council Flag on all campuses. Last week, as we marked the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (September 30), Dalhousie also raised the orange “Every Child Matters” flag to acknowledge the inter-generational impacts of residential schools.  The flag will continue to fly throughout Mi’kmaq History Month.

Every year, the Mi’kmaq History Month Committee selects a poster to commemorate the month.  This year it has chosen to highlight Mi’kmaw Beadwork & the Art of Beading as its theme:

“Mi’kmaw beadwork represents life and creation. Generations of hands, eyes, backs, and fingers have worked for balance in intricate designs and colour palettes. From wampum and bone beads to suspenders and peaked caps to contemporary medallions, beauty emerges from skill and love. Ceremonies have a special place to focus the intentions of artists’ hearts and minds. In kitchens and wikuoml masters have shared their practice with those who were dedicated. In turn, they were asked to share with the next generation. Agnes ‘Aggie Baby’ Gould told new beaders “share, please share.” We carry that teaching in our hearts as we celebrate this year’s poster.”

The message of the beadwork reminds us that despite the challenges faced by the Indigenous/Mi’kmaw peoples, they continue to thrive, celebrate and create. This is a powerful message for all of Dalhousie’s students, faculty and staff. It prompts us to strive to better understand the teachings of the Mi’kmaq and include these in our own teaching, research, learning (and unlearning) of Indigenous knowledge, practices, and culture. (For those looking for a good place to start this work, here is a listing of helpful resources.) This is important as Dalhousie continues its efforts towards reconciliation through its many Indigenous initiatives and engagement under the guidance and leadership of the Indigenous Advisory Council, our Elders-in-Residence, and through closer collaboration with the Mi’kmaw communities on whose territory Dalhousie sits.

M’sit Nokomaq / All my relations,

To:        The Dalhousie University Community

From:   Theresa Rajack-Talley, Vice-Provost, Equity & Inclusion 
              Rick Ezekiel, Vice-Provost Student Affairs
              Aparna Mohan, President, Dalhousie Student Union 

Re: Celebrating Pride

Each spring and summer, people around the world recognize Pride and celebrate 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals and communities. In much of North America, June is designated as Pride Month. Communities in Nova Scotia celebrate Pride at various points throughout the summer. Truro held its pride celebrations late last month, while Dalhousie joins Halifax in doing so throughout the month of July. According to President, Deep Saini, “at Dalhousie, we are truly thankful to the dedicated 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals and supporters who have paved the way in building a more inclusive university and community.”

Pride celebrations are linked to a common purpose: to fight for continued recognition of the basic human rights for all 2SLGBTQIA+ people everywhere, a fight that rose to prominence with the Stonewall riots of 1969 in New York. Unfortunately, unprecedented assaults against the community continue across the globe, with attempts to apply anti-trans legislation and anti-trans rhetoric, anti-queer censorship, continuously misnaming (dead-named), misgendering and negatively representing the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in social media. It is against this background that Dalhousie’s students, faculty, staff, friends, family, and alumni join with the 2SLGBTQIA+ communities in Halifax, the rest of the country, and the world in celebrating Pride to protest continued discrimination, to connect and celebrate.

The Pride Progress Flag was developed in 2018 by non-binary American artist and designer Daniel Quasar. It includes black and brown stripes, drawing attention to experiences of people of colour within the LGBTQ community, in addition to pink, blue and white stripes to represent explicit inclusion of transgender and gender non-binary communities. We know that racialized, transgender, and gender-nonbinary people continue to experience disproportionate violence, discrimination, and exclusion within our society, and that our efforts must explicitly focus on inclusion across these intersections. At Dalhousie, we strive for anti-racism within our equity work, including specifically recognizing the experiences of Black queer and trans people. This month the Speak Truth to Power virtual forum series organized by the Office of Equity & Inclusion has chosen as its theme Black Queer and Trans Lives Also Matter. The virtual event is scheduled for Wednesday, July 13 from 6-8pm.

Dalhousie University acknowledges that it sits on the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq People and as we celebrate Pride, we specifically recognize the Two-Spirit and Indigenous 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals and communities of Nova Scotia, and the Wabanaki Two-Spirit Alliance.

Our Pride celebrations at Dalhousie are one part of many commitments to ensure that members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities are included within the fabric of the university, and that we can authentically express all aspects of our human identities, including diverse sexual orientations and gender identities, while experiencing a sense of belonging and thriving at Dalhousie.

Please join us in celebrating the rich contributions 2SLGBTQIA+ people make within the Dalhousie community and committing ourselves to actions that reduce exclusion and discrimination faced by members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities locally and globally. The Progress Pride flag will be raised on the Halifax campus and we invite all to join this event on Studley Quad TODAY, July 7 at 12:00 p.m. 

Students, alumni, faculty, and staff are invited to join the Dalhousie University group marching in the Halifax Pride Parade. The parade is on Saturday, July 16 and begins at noon, rain or shine. For more information on participation in the parade, please click here. 

For a full listing of Pride activities on campus and in the community, visit:

• Dalhousie events: Human Rights & Equity Services
  
• Community events: Halifax Pride events calendar
  

Have a safe and happy Pride!

To:          The Dalhousie University community

From:     Theresa Rajack-Talley, Vice-Provost Equity and Inclusion
                Amina Abawajy, Education Advisor, Human Rights and Equity Services

Re:           International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is observed annually on March 21. On this day in 1960 police opened fire at a peaceful demonstration against apartheid pass laws in Sharpeville, South Africa; 69 people were killed and 180 were injured. The UN General Assembly Resolution 2142, passed in 1966, proclaimed March 21 as the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination to be commemorated annually.

Dalhousie stands against all forms of racial discrimination and has made this a central message in our personal harassment policy and discrimination statement. Today, we remind Dalhousie of the importance of this year’s theme — “Voices for Action against Racism” — to speak out loudly, listen closely, and act decisively. It is essential for us to listen to those experiencing injustice and ensure their concerns are at the centre of efforts to dismantle the racism that persists in our institutions, social structures, cultures, and everyday life.   

In Canada, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) — including migrants, refugees, and so many others — continue to confront stereotyping, stigmatization, scapegoating, discrimination, and violence. We see the harmful effect of this in all our social institutions including in the justice system, health, housing, employment, access to basic amenities including clean water, and experiences in education. While we have made strides in becoming a more civic society, the legacy of centuries of enslavement, colonialism, and racism have not completely disappeared and continue to create barriers for safe equity advancement of BIPOC populations.

This month also commemorates another UN observation: March 25 is the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade, which also aims to raise awareness about the dangers of racism and prejudice today. The date asks us to reflect on one of the worst violations of human rights in history, in which more than 15 million men, women, and children were victims over a 400-year period.

We all have a responsibility, every day, to collectively and individually stand up against racial prejudice, disrespectful attitudes, and harmful actions — both intentional or unintentional — in the classroom, in the workplace, where we live and socialize. Let us work towards a world where we all enjoy our human rights and end the violence of racial discrimination. 

For more information on activities organized around International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, visit the Human Rights and Equity Services website.

To:          The Dalhousie University community

From:     Theresa Rajack-Talley, Vice-Provost Equity and Inclusion
               Alice Aiken, Vice-President Research and Innovation
               Gitta Kulczycki, Vice-President Finance and Administration

Re: International Women’s Day

Today is International Women’s Day, first celebrated in 1911 and an occasion to acknowledge and honour women around the world for the contributions we make each day to society and to recommit to gender equality and gender equity.

The theme selected by the United Nations (UN) for this year’s International Women’s Day is Changing Climates: Equality Today for a Sustainable Tomorrow. According to the UN, “advancing gender equality in the context of the climate crisis and disaster risk reduction is one of the greatest global challenges of the 21st century.” Women, and in particular economically marginalized women and/or Black, Indigenous and Women of Color (BIPOC), are more vulnerable to climate change impacts that also threaten their reliance and custodial relationships with natural resources. When women’s voices are included, they demonstrate how to navigate opportunities and constraints, empower themselves and become effective, strong leaders for climate adaptation and mitigation.   

“Women globally have made our world a safer and healthier place to live and work,” says Dalhousie University President and Vice-Chancellor Deep Saini. “At Dalhousie, many of our successes have been because of the efforts of women students, faculty, staff members, and leaders, who have had to overcome barriers along the way. Our work towards gender equality and gender equity at the university, and more broadly, must be intentional and ongoing.”

“Part of this commitment involves supporting women in research,” says Dr. Alice Aiken, Vice-President of Research and Innovation. For example, the vision for the Women in Research Caucus (WiRC) is to build a research community at Dal that listens to, fosters, supports, and promotes all women’s research — faculty and trainee — equally. (People interested in learning more can email WiRC@dal.ca.)

Dalhousie leads by example in the work for a sustainable tomorrow and recognizes women’s engagement in leading this action. Dalhousie’s Office of Sustainability, with executive director Rochelle Owen, is part of the portfolio of Gitta Kulczycki, Vice-President of Finance and Administration. “A diversity of minds, experiences, and ethical practice helps to solve our problems of today and tomorrow,” says Gitta.

Whether deliberate or unconscious, bias makes it difficult for women to move ahead with their critical work. Let us use this International Women’s Day to commit to calling out, standing up, and acting to eliminate gender bias, discrimination, and stereotyping of women on our campuses and in society.

To:         The Dalhousie community

From:    Theresa Rajack-Talley, Vice-Provost Equity and Inclusion  
               Dominic Silvio, co-chair faculty, Black Faculty and Staff Caucus

Re: African Heritage Month at Dalhousie

The commemoration of African Heritage Month can be traced back to 1926 when Harvard-educated Black historian Carter G. Woodson founded a week to recognize the achievements of African Americans. Here in Canada, Jean Augustine, the first Black Canadian woman elected to Parliament, introduced a motion in the House of Commons on December 14, 1995 aimed at noting “the diversity of the Black community in Canada and its importance in the history of this country.” February is now recognized nationally as Black History Month to honour the legacy of Black Canadians and their communities. In Nova Scotia, the month of celebration and reflection has been known as African Heritage Month since 1996.  

Dalhousie recognizes this year’s African Heritage Month provincial theme, Through Our Eyes: The Voices of African Nova Scotians. According to the Nova Scotia African Heritage Month Information Network, “this theme also explores and examines the effects of anti-Black racism and the voice of African Nova Scotians who blazed the trail for change…and aligns with the United Nations’ International Decade for People of African Descent (DPAD) 2015-2024.”  

We encourage everyone to use this month to further engage in events, programming and learning opportunities on campus and in our broader community. African Heritage Month allows us the opportunity to recognize the longstanding history of African Nova Scotians and all people of African descent in the development of Dalhousie as an institute of higher learning, in Nova Scotia and Canada overall.  While this focus is being recognized in African Heritage month, at Dalhousie we believe in centering on the African Nova Scotia community on our campus throughout the year and every year.

As part of our continued commitment to working with the African Nova Scotian community, the African Nova Scotia Strategic Report — completed by the African Nova Scotia Working Group along Dalhousie’s Director, African Nova Scotia Community Engagement — has been integrated into Dalhousie’s strategic plan, Third Century Promise.  

Overall, Dalhousie continues to expand and enhance resources (including scholarships), services and opportunities for African Nova Scotian youth. Increasingly, Dalhousie researchers are focusing on the needs and well-being of African Nova Scotians, with vital community partnerships. These ongoing initiatives are part of Dalhousie’s attempt to grow as a civic university that embraces our social responsibility to our local communities. 

According to Dalhousie President Deep Saini:    

I would like to take the opportunity to express our deepest appreciation to the Black faculty, staff and students who continue to make our institution a richer and more inclusive place to work and study. We remain committed to supporting you. This commitment was reaffirmed when we joined with other universities and colleges across Canada to sign the Scarborough Charter on Anti-Black Racism and Black Inclusion in Higher Education. As proud as we are of Dalhousie’s many equity accomplishments, we recognize that we must continue to do more. This African Heritage Month, let’s reflect on the work ahead while also paying our respect and gratitude to the African Nova Scotian communities and their elders, on and off our campus, for their many and continuing contributions to our university, our province and our world.   
Despite the many challenges of this past year, we have made progress that we can celebrate when it comes to the support and inclusion of our Black faculty, staff and students. Below are just a few of our collective successes and major milestones: 

• An Assistant Vice-Provost, Equity & Inclusion position was created on a rotational basis with Dr. Barbara Hamilton-Hinch, a proud African Nova Scotian, seconded as the first in this role. 
  
• African Nova Scotian Strategy Co-Chair Prof. Michelle Williams is one of the Inaugural Provost Fellows with her research focusing on the African Nova Scotian community.  
  
• Michelle Patrick is the first African Nova Scotian woman to hold the position of president of the Dalhousie Professional and Managerial Group (DPMG). 
  
• Recommended by the Lord Dalhousie Report, the first Sankofa scholarships were awarded to an African Nova Scotian, a Black Canadian, and a Black Caribbean student. 
  
• The James R. Johnston Chair celebrates 25 years of scholarly impact. 
  
• The first Black Studies Research Institute in the region, piloted by Dr. OmiSoore Dryden and a group of Black scholars and allies, was approved. 
  
• A Black Studies major is being piloted by another group of Black scholars and allies and is pending. 
  
• Dr. Afua Cooper was successful in receiving funding of more than $1 million from the Canadian government for a three-year project titled A Black People’s History of Canada, which will help to fill a gap in African Canadian history education.  
  
• With the University of King’s College and the Black Cultural Centre, Dalhousie hosted a pre-conference event ahead of the first-in-Canada Universities Studying Slavery Conference scheduled for 2023. The event featured a keynote by Sir Hillary Beckles.  
  

For an overview of Dalhousie and community events happening during African Heritage Month, visit the Human Rights & Equity Services website. We also invite you to join us at Dalhousie’s virtual African Heritage Month launch event and flag-raising on Tuesday, Feb. 1 at noon. The event will be streamed on Dalhousie’s YouTube channel. We will be flying the pan-African flag and African Nova Scotian flag on the Halifax and Truro campuses throughout February.   

Let us use African Heritage Month as an opportunity to recommit to learn, reflect and celebrate the experiences and contributions of people from the African Diaspora far and near, and for continued action for a more equitable future.    

To:                 The Dalhousie University community  

From:            Theresa Rajack-Talley, Vice-Provost Equity and Inclusion 
                       Judy MacDonald (Co-Chair) and the Staff & Faculty (dis)Ability Caucus  

Re:                 International Day of Persons with Disabilities

Today, December 3, has been designated by the United Nations as International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Dalhousie University stands in strong support with our community of persons with disabilities and joins with the rest of Canada and the world in using this day as a reminder that disability inclusion is an essential condition to upholding human rights, sustainable development, and peace and security.  

Disability inclusion is central to our own growth here at Dalhousie as evident in the work of the Dalhousie University Accessibility Committee (DUAC) to turn our commitment into a reality, along with the support and advocacy from our recently formed (dis)Ability Caucus.

In 2017, Nova Scotia passed the Accessibility Act, becoming the third Canadian province to adopt accessibility legislation. The act recognizes accessibility as a human right and outlines how the province will improve accessibility by preventing and removing barriers. The Act sets a goal of an accessible Nova Scotia by 2030. Dal is required to craft and submit a comprehensive accessibility plan by April 2022. However, Dalhousie’s approach is not just to meet but exceed the core requirements set out in the Nova Scotia Accessibility Act through a collaborative approach. Learn more about Dal’s Accessibility Plan.

According to Quenta Adams, Director of Student Academic Success and Co-Chair, Dalhousie Accessibility Advisory Committee:  

I am thrilled by the work that is happening within the province and at Dalhousie. As we prepare to introduce our first multi-year accessibility plan, building upon Dalhousie’s previous EDIA initiatives and commitments, we would not have gotten to this space without the voices from our community being heard and amplified. This day, and the days after, is a reminder that we have an obligation to our students, staff and faculty to create and sustain accessible and equitable learning, living and playing environments.  

The focus on disability inclusion at this time could not be more urgent as the global COVID crisis continues to deepen pre-existing inequalities, including people with disabilities. Persons with disabilities are among one of the most excluded groups in our society not just in health but also within our educational and employment systems.  

Dalhousie University is the only postsecondary institution in Canada currently with a (dis)Ability Caucus. The caucus offers staff and faculty with (dis)Abilities an understanding space to share their struggles with ableism, to learn from one another about effective ways to tackle barriers, and to find a collective voice with volume — a voice whose time has come to be heard.  According to one caucus member:

Everybody on the caucus gets it – we are a sounding board for each other. We have different impairments, unique personalities, distinct roles within the university, yet a common bond exist as we have all paid the costs of living in an ableist world yet find hope in striving toward an inclusive university and society.      

Dalhousie is committed to making sure that we do all that we can to ensure that persons with disabilities are not left behind, and that we work together in creating an accessible Dal. This is important as another caucus member reminds us: “we are assets, not liabilities.”

To:         The Dalhousie University community  

From:    Theresa Rajack-Talley, Vice Provost, Equity and Inclusion 
               Lisa Delong, Director, Human Rights and Equity Services  

Re:         Transgender Day of Remembrance

We are in the midst of Transgender Awareness Week (Nov 15-19) and tomorrow is the Transgender Day of Remembrance, recognized annually on November 20 around the world to honour those who lost their lives due to anti-transgender hatred or discrimination. The Transgender Pride Flag will be raised on our Halifax and Truro campuses and our permanent campus flags will be lowered to commemorate the Transgender Day of Remembrance. Learn more about campus flag protocol at dal.ca/flags.

The Transgender Day of Remembrance helps raise awareness of hate crimes against transgender people and honours the lives of all trans people who may otherwise be forgotten. The day was founded in 1999 to memorialize the murder of Rita Hester, a transgender woman in Allston, Massachusetts. Dalhousie University strongly opposes violence and harassment based on discrimination and hate. We are committed to providing a safe and respectful environment, and to fostering a culture of diversity and inclusiveness.  

As part of our commitment to protect and learn, Dalhousie is offering an online training program that explores the meanings and common misconceptions around terms like transgender, gender identity, and gender expression and some practical actions we can take to make our workplace and our communities more inclusive for people with diverse range of gender identities and expressions.  

To access the course, please follow these steps: 

1. Click on this link: https://nolan-s-school-805b.thinkific.com/courses/DAL-rethinking-gender-trans-inclusive-spaces-and-practices-0401
   
2. Create an account using a Dalhousie email address.
   
3. Click on Enroll Now. 
   
4. Access the course through “My Courses” in the menu items on the top of the page.
   

Additionally, our upcoming Speak Truth to Power Forum will focus on gender-based violence.  

We encourage all members of our community to reflect on the purpose of this important date, to take advantage of this and other learning and listening opportunities, and to work together foster a safe and inclusive community for all. Let us use this commemoration to reaffirm our love and respect to all transgender people and reflect on all those affected by the physical and emotional trauma of transphobia and gender-based violence.