Build inclusive cities & societies
Systemic racism and other forms of discrimination drive deep social divides that impoverish us all. Join U of T as we help to dismantle barriers and create models for more equitable, diverse, and inclusive cities around the world.
Many of the factors that determine how we’ll be treated in life—where we’re born, our race, gender identity, sexual orientation, physical ability, and economic background, to name only a few—come down to chance. And as much as we like to think that hard work and determination can overcome any obstacle, the COVID-19 pandemic, along with the murder of George Floyd, have served as stark reminders that our society remains deeply divided.
In Canada, a further and long overdue reckoning has begun over the oppression and abuse of Indigenous Peoples and the role that educations systems played.
As the largest post-secondary institution in the country, we know that truth must come before reconciliation and that reflection is meaningless without action. That’s why we’re examining our own practices, policies, and processes and taking concrete steps to strengthen equity, diversity, and inclusion across our three campuses and beyond.
These include creating pathways for high-school students and new Canadians who face barriers to attending university, financial aid programs, building inclusive spaces, and engaging our vast network of multidisciplinary scholars in world-leading research and teaching on race, gender, and sexual identity to drive social change.
Our home in one of the world’s most diverse cities provides us with a rare opportunity to develop and share best practices to promote equity, diversity, and inclusivity around the world. It’s not just a moral obligation. It’s about excellence. When viewpoints go unchallenged, potential ideas and discoveries remain untapped.
We have so much more work to do. At this moment when the world is searching for positive change, your support will help us eliminate systemic barriers to build stronger, more inclusive cities and societies, where everyone can thrive.
