We acknowledge that we are on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the Mi'kmaq People and that we are governed by the Peace and Friendship Treaty of 1725. The Mi'kmaq People have cared for the land for thousands of years and continue to do so. With this acknowledgment, we remember the history, and honour the presence and resilience of Indigenous people here today.

The Department of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Human Rights (EDIHR) at UPEI is dedicated to fostering an equitable, diverse, and inclusive campus that is welcoming to all and free from harassment, bullying, and discrimination. We are committed to addressing the challenges and biases that have historically affected equity-deserving groups, including women, racialized peoples, persons with disabilities, and LGBTQ2S+ individuals.

The EDIHR Office oversees the implementation and progress of the UPEI Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Strategy. We provide leadership and guidance to ensure that the University's commitments to equity, diversity, inclusion, and human rights are being upheld. As a centralized resource, we offer training and resources to faculty, staff, and students, empowering them to become community leaders and effective advocates for change. Our mission is to create a safe and supportive environment where everyone is valued for their unique skills, abilities, and contributions.

Additionally, the Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Office (SVPRO) falls within our department. UPEI's SVPRO is a safe and confidential space for students, staff, and faculty who have experienced sexual violence to obtain support. No matter when, where, or what form the sexual violence took, let us connect you with services that are trauma-informed and suited to your individual needs. The SVPRO is committed to fostering a culture of consent on campus by supporting survivors and providing the University community with education and awareness around issues of sexual and gender-based violence. We all share the responsibility of ending sexual violence.

Definitions

Equity is a principle of fairness in treatment, access to opportunity, and advancement for all members of the university community. It requires acknowledging that treating people equally does not always produce fair outcomes, and there is a need to eliminate systemic barriers and biases that have played a role in impeding the full participation of underrepresented or disadvantaged groups.

Diversity means differences between people. This can relate to the groups protected by human rights legislation, and, also within the university community, can refer to differences in beliefs, disciplines, education, and values. Understanding diversity requires recognizing that people have multiple and intersecting identities.

Inclusion is the creation of an experience where everyone on campus can feel welcomed, respected, and valued. Inclusion requires recognizing that some groups have been historically and/or structurally disadvantaged and meaningfully engaging with those groups.

UPEI Value Statement: “We are dedicated to making UPEI an open, accessible, and welcoming community, and to the fair treatment of all persons. We are committed to continually re-examining and growing our understanding of the role UPEI must play in promoting a better understanding of cultures and identities and the needs of community members with disabilities in a manner that supports education and respectful relationships.” – UPEI Strategic Plan (2018–2023)

The Way Forward

UPEI Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Strategy  

UPEI Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Strategy Progress Report

• UPEI Canada Research Chairs Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Action Plan
• UPEI Campus Mental Health Strategy

Training, Resources, and More Information

Faculty, staff, and students can log into myUPEI Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion for internal resources and training opportunities.

Learn more about the UPEI Canada Research Chairs Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Action Plan.

CCDI Partnership

UPEI is an Employer Partner of The Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion (CCDI). This provides all members of the campus community with self-paced training and resources.

National Commitment

UPEI is a proud endorser of the NSERC Dimensions Charter (equity, diversity, and inclusion) and the Scarborough Charter (anti-Black racism and inclusion).

Other UPEI Offices Focused on Inclusion

• Fair Treatment Office - UPEI's Fair Treatment Office works with students, staff, and faculty who experience forms of harassment and discrimination at work, and to maintain the rights of those individuals to participate in activities at the University without fear of discrimination or harassment. Check out their site to learn more about the UPEI Fair Treatment Policy and learn how to submit a fair treatment complaint. 
• Mawi’omi Indigenous Student Centre
• Student Affairs and the Webster Centre for Student Success
• Accessibility Services
• International Student Office

External Resources

• PEI Human Rights Commission

Contact Us

Department of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Human Rights
UPEI, Kelley Memorial Building, Room 115-118
550 University Ave
Charlottetown, PE
C1A 4P3
equity@upei.ca