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Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Decolonization

The Department of Political Science at the University of Windsor sits on the traditional territory of the Three Fires Confederacy of First Nations, which includes the Ojibwa, the Odawa, and the Potawatomi and invite all to reflect on the legacies of colonialism in Canada and around the world. 

Our department has taken steps to encourage a welcoming and accessible educational environment for all students, faculty, and staff. To that end, in 2020 we begun a new initiative to address racism, sexism, and other forms of discrimination, including systemic barriers and practices we may not previously have questioned that have privileged some and disadvantaged or excluded others—particularly historically, persistently, and systemically marginalized individuals.

In 2021, we hosted a panel event ‘Starting a Conversation on Diversity and Inclusion in the Department of Political Science' /political-science/sites/uwindsor.ca.political-science/files/mar_19_-_pols_panel_discussion.pdf.
The event allowed students and faculty to express their own stories and experiences of racism and discrimination and begin to brainstorm what we as a department can do. The event also launched an interim report commissioned by the department on this topic to gather knowledge about our own history and EDID initiatives at other universities and Political Science departments.

DOWNLOAD OUR APRIL 2021 INTERIM REPORT

Our recently re-named EDID Committee includes faculty and students that work together to strengthen our commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion while recognizing the legacies of colonialism and deep injustices that continue to permeate society as a whole and have a specific and damaging impact on higher education. 

The Department invited the University of Windsor’s new Acting Vice-President, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, Dr Clinton Beckford, to speak to our Department Council in 2022 and plan to continue hosting events, devoting Council meetings to EDID on an annual basis, and centring anti-racism and anti-oppression in our daily activities and practices. 

In 2022, we are also launching a survey of students and alumni to gather baseline data about our department and inform an updated report on actions and recommendations we can undertake. We remain committed to fostering a more inclusive and safer space for everyone in the department through ongoing dialogue, education, and action.
 

This page will be updated regularly as the dialogue continues