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President Rhonda McEwen.The research is clear: diverse communities achieve more, learn more and innovate more. We celebrate community a lot at Victoria University. Indeed, one of the core deliverables in our five-year Strategic Framework is to “…foster a strong sense of belonging within a supportive community by respecting and connecting the many voices, needs, and histories of its members. We commit to broadening and deepening this sense of belonging.” 

When we bring diverse experiences, histories and cultures to our classrooms, our student programming, our administrative tables and our operations, we get such an energizing range of ideas and perspectives. We can face obstacles and adapt to a changing world faster, and more creatively. We know that where diversity is absent there is a deficit of ideas. And at Vic U, we want to encourage and promote big ideas! 
I have always been drawn to the definition of equity as being invited to the party, and inclusion as being asked to dance. There are so many exciting ideas in our community, and they will come to fruition only if we give everyone a chance to dance. 

As someone who grew up in Trinidad and Tobago, I experienced a search for diversity that ran deeper than skin colour. It was often an exploration of worldviews informed by the history and experiences of the indigenous people and forced and voluntary immigrants. It invited us all to go below the surface and share more deeply with the people in our communities.  

We often refer to this work as Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility (EDIA). I personally use A JEDI – Accessibility, Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion because it connects the value of equity, diversity and inclusion with accountability. (It also appeals to the Star Wars fan in me!) Whichever acronym we choose, it is clear that we are on an important journey together.  
 
— Dr. Rhonda N. McEwen, President and Vice-Chancellor, Victoria University in the University of Toronto 

woman at computer web

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