Library and Learning Services: Equity, Diversity, Inclusion &amp; Belonging: What is EDI & B?

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What is Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging? (EDI & B)

It's significant to note that there is no one official definition of equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging:

Equity is defined as the removal of systemic barriers and biases enabling all individuals to have equal opportunity. It's an understanding of the systemic barriers faced by individuals from underrepresented groups (e.g., women, persons with disabilities, Indigenous Peoples, racialized minorities, individuals from the LGBTQ2+ community) and actions needed for impactful measures to address these barriers.
Diversity is defined as differences in race, colour, place of origin, religion, immigrant and newcomer status, ethnic origin, ability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and age.
Inclusion is defined as the practice of ensuring that all individuals are valued and respected for their contributions and are equally supported.
Diversity v. Inclusion v. Belonging: Diversity typically means proportionate representation across all dimensions of human difference. Inclusion means that everyone is included, visible, heard and considered. Belonging means that everyone is treated and feels like a full member of the larger community and can thrive.

Connect with Georgian College's Centre for Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging, Georgian's Indigenization initiative, and/or review the library's Indigenization Guide for other resources.

EDI & B is a dynamic and changing landscape! The library is committed to providing a "living" guide with frequently updated EDI & B resources which are organized around academic programs and centers for research and innovation. This EDI & B guide also curates EDI & B news, key associations, Canadian perspectives and provides information on how EDI & B impacts diverse populations, intersectionality and higher education. The curated resources provided are starting points and not exhaustive listings.

This guide was built in consultation with Georgian College's Centre for Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging and is based on key concepts, categories and terminologies from the Protected Grounds outlined within The Ontario Human Rights Code.

Keep checking back with us for the latest information and don't hesitate to provide feedback on how we can ensure this guide is relevant and engaging to you! Please feel free to contact Karen Halliday, faculty librarian, for more information about EDI & B in your program area.

If you would like to start your learning journey for equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging (EDI & B), then we recommend these Top 3 sources below:

A podcast series by Anne-Marie Pham. More great podcasts are available here
A book about strategies for inclusion in higher education
A link to the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion.

Leader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham (CCDI)
Diversity and inclusion - a hot topic in the world right now. But knowing how and where to begin to make a tangible difference can be tricky... That's why we created this podcast! By drawing on the experience of thought leaders across Canada, we hope to create awareness, showcase a variety of perspectives, and inspire courage for all of us to create more diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplaces and communities for all. Hosted by Anne-Marie Pham, CEO of the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion.

Strategies for Supporting Inclusion and Diversity in the Academy: Higher Education, Aspiration and Inequality by Gail Crimmins (Editor)
ISBN: 9783030435929

Publication Date: 2022

Explores tried and tested strategies that support student and faculty engagement and inclusion. These strategies are anchored by a brief exploration of the history and effects of exclusion and deprivilege in higher education. However, while many publications exploring academic inequality focus on the causes and impacts of structural, psychological and cultural exclusion based on racism, sexism, classism and ableism, they rarely engage in interventions to expose and combat such de/privilege. Capturing examples of inclusive practices that are as diverse as student and faculty populations, these strategies can be easily translated and employed by organizations, collectives and individuals to recognize and combat social and academic exclusion within higher education environments.

Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion
CCDI believes that diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and justice are essential for building strong and healthy workplaces, schools and communities. Committed to advocating for these values through education, training and action. By promoting understanding and inclusivity, CCDI strives to create a more equitable and just society for all.

EDI & B Toolkits & Self Assessment

Please check out these great toolkits and self assessment for further information and awareness about EDI & B.

Antiracism Toolkit for Organizations
This toolkit, written by a multiracial group of industry professionals, is intended to help individuals at all levels within scholarly publishing organizations implement inclusive policies, procedures, and norms. The writers of this toolkit use the term “Black, Indigenous, and People of Color” and the acronym “BIPOC” to be as inclusive as possible. They have since become aware that the term “People of the Global Majority” is increasing in popularity.
Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion Toolkits (CCDI)
The CCDI provides excellent toolkits for organizational use such as toolkits for navigating race in Canadian workplaces, addressing fear and resistance, and sustaining the Black Lives Matter movement. It also includes toolkits for workshops on getting started with diversity and inclusion and exploring my power and privilege.
Cultural Competence Self-Assessment Checklist
This cultural competence Self-Assessment Checklist provided by the Refugee Assistance Program Workers was adapted from the Greater Vancouver Island Multicultural Society. This self-assessment tool is designed to explore individual cultural competence. Its purpose is to help people consider their skills, knowledge, and awareness in their interactions with others.

EDI & B Streaming Content

The library has multiple video streaming databases for you to conveniently use. You can find the complete list here: Video Streaming. Here are a few videos that focus on EDI & B in the workplace.

Managing Diversity and Inclusion
Technology and social changes are altering the landscape in every industry. Organisations today need the full gamut of human judgment, perspective, passion and creativity to not only keep up with their competitors, but to increase their agility and inventiveness and realise their full potential. The key to this is diversity and inclusion. This training video will explore the various steps that you can take to create a diverse and inclusive environment.
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2021; 7:37
Overcoming Personal Barriers to Diversity
Many enlightened organizations now see diversity and inclusion programs as more than mere compliance issues – they are ways to increase market share, employee retention, and innovation. Psychologist Peter Quarry provides a number of practical strategies that will help the individual change their negative thinking and reactions to people from different backgrounds. This program is a great discussion starter.
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2008; 19:24

References

References:

Government of Canada. (2021). Best practices in equity, diversity and inclusion in research. https://www.sshrc-crsh.gc.ca/funding-financement/nfrf-fnfr/edi-eng.aspx#2)

Harvard Human Resources. (n.d.). Glossary of diversity, inclusion and belonging (DIB) Terms. https://edib.harvard.edu/files/dib/files/dib_glossary.pdf

Image: Georgian College. (2017). Diverse students at Georgian College. [Photograph]. Georgian College.