03 August 2020
Recent conversations in society and the Desautels Faculty of Management have heightened our awareness of the persistence of systemic racism and discrimination. The Desautels Faculty of Management unequivocally condemns all acts of discrimination and racism, occurring on-campus and across the world. We want to address any systemic racism and discrimination that exists within our own Faculty and across society at large.
Desautels brings together and enables talented students, faculty members and staff with diverse and intersecting identities so that all can flourish. This has long been a point of pride within our Faculty, although we are learning that there is work to be done in this area.
Over the past few weeks, members of our community have raised concerns. We are inspired by the courage and wisdom of our colleagues and students who are standing up against systemic racism and who demonstrate the importance of taking action. We have also been listening, learning and reflecting, and we will continue to do so. We acknowledge the validity of the concerns raised within and outside the Faculty. It has become clear that we need to do more to ensure all members our community feel welcome, valued, and heard.
We are pleased to announce the creation of a new position within the Faculty. Professor Lisa Cohen has assumed the role of Director of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at Desautels as of August 1, 2020. This position was announced to faculty and staff at a recent Town Hall meeting on July 13, 2020. Along with the formation of this position, we are formally committing to making these matters strategic priorities at Desautels. Professor Cohen joined our Faculty in 2010 and has dedicated much of her career to researching and teaching on matters of equity, diversity and inclusion in business. We are confident that she will facilitate collaboration across our community to drive necessary organizational change.
Professor Cohen鈥檚 appointment is the first step in our commitment to addressing any systemic racism and inequalities that remains not only within the Faculty but in society at large. As business educators, our role in addressing these issues goes beyond what happens within our walls, and includes preparing our students to be leaders in the workplace of tomorrow. It is our commitment to you, our students, faculty and staff, who are the backbone of Desautels.
This appointment will help us become more collaborative, accountable and transparent in our approach to equity, diversity and inclusion at Desautels. Over the past few weeks, Professor Cohen has begun meeting with student representatives, staff and faculty to listen to their experiences and reflections on diversity within the Faculty.
Moving forward in this role, Professor Cohen will:
- Establish a working group and range of task forces across all areas of the Faculty, ensuring a diverse representation of members;
- Develop channels to ensure all members of the Desautels community have means of reporting acts that undermine the Faculty鈥檚 commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion;
- Undertake a thorough review of the representation and experiences of racialized or minority members of the Desautels community to identify gaps and determine priorities; and
- Formulate a strategic action plan with specific actions, targets and timelines to address systemic racism and inequality that exists within Desautels and society.
The Working Group will communicate the findings of their research and how these findings will inform priority actions for equity, diversity and inclusion going forward. We will provide an update on the timeline for this within one month.
We encourage anyone who has experienced discrimination to come forward, but the responsibility to uproot deeply ingrained systems of injustice and inequality should not rest entirely on the shoulders of those who bear the burden. While Professor Cohen will lead and support many initiatives within the Faculty, it is a shared responsibility among us all to stand up against unacceptable behaviour and contribute to a culture that respectfully encourages continuous growth for all. Our power to change lies in us all working together.
Anyone who has experienced or is experiencing inequities at 苹果淫院 is encouraged to make a formal complaint so that it can be investigated by the University.
For students in need of mental health and wellbeing support, our Local Wellness Advisor Samara Yesovitch is available for consultation. Learn more about .
Any staff or faculty members that are struggling during this time are invited to reach out to the Employee and Family Assistance Program.
Thanks to all of you who have raised your voices and shown your commitment to strengthening the Desautels community.
Dean Isabelle Bajeux-Besnainou
Vice-Dean Morty Yalovsky (Faculty)
Vice-Dean Liette Lapointe (Programs)
