TORONTO, Friday, January 12, 2018 – It is a myth that racism doesn’t exist in Canadian universities, say York University equity and diversity scholars. The reality is, despite diversity initiatives in their respective institutions, racialized and Indigenous faculty members are yet to see changes in everyday working conditions, they concluded in a recent study led by York U Anthropology Professor Emerita Frances Henry.
Seven leading Canadian researchers who conducted the study have co-authored The Equity Myth, a book based on survey data and interviews of racialized and Indigenous faculty members in university campuses across the country. The Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) funded the study.
York U authors are available for media interviews:
Gender, Feminist and Women’s Studies Professor Enakshi Dua in the Faculty of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies, is available to discuss the effectiveness of anti-racist policies and practices of Canadian universities.
Faculty of Education Professor Carl James, Jean Augustine Chair in Education, Community & Diaspora, is available to discuss some of the issues facing racialized applicants for faculty positions and promotions in the hiring process.
NOTE: York University’s Centre for Feminist Research has organized a book launch event, co-sponsored by the Jean Augustine Chair in Education, Community & Diaspora and the Tubman Institute, today. For more information on Equity Myth: Racialization and Indigeneity at Canadian Universities, click here.
York University champions new ways of thinking that drive teaching and research excellence. Our students receive the education they need to create big ideas that make an impact on the world. Meaningful and sometimes unexpected careers result from cross-disciplinary programming, innovative course design and diverse experiential learning opportunities. York students and graduates push limits, achieve goals and find solutions to the world’s most pressing social challenges, empowered by a strong community that opens minds. York U is an internationally recognized research university – our 11 faculties and 25 research centres have partnerships with 200+ leading universities worldwide. Located in Toronto, York is the third largest university in Canada, with a strong community of 53,000 students, 7,000 faculty and administrative staff, and more than 300,000 alumni.
York U's fully bilingual Glendon Campus is home to Southern Ontario's Centre of Excellence for French Language and Bilingual Postsecondary Education.
Media contact:
Gloria Suhasini, York University Media Relations, 416-736-2100 ext. 22094, suhasini@yorku.ca
