Several campus groups and community members have shared their perspectives on the University of Alberta’s recent decision to shift its EDI framework to an access, community, and belonging framework. UAlberta Non-Academic Staff Association President Quinn Benders and UAlberta Students Union VP External Abdul Abbasi both highlighted the benefits of the university’s EDI policies and expressed hope that these would continue under the new framework. Government of Alberta Advanced Education Minister Rajan Sawhney applauded the decision, asserting that the move would address the government’s concerns about prioritizing “ideology and immutable characteristics over merit.” Community members speaking to City News and the Edmonton Journal noted that the reframing could help to counter polarization and public misconceptions about EDI.
