In an opinion article for The Conversation, Arig al Shailbah (University of British Columbia) calls attention to the ways in which Canadian postsecondary has addressed issues of equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI). While many models of EDI planning are well intentioned, the author asserts that they are often reactionary and short-sighted, and thus unable to enact more lasting, systemic and structural change. Al Shailbah argues that dedicated senior equity leader roles with specialized knowledge and expertise can meaningfully drive proactive mission-driven EDI planning. However, these leaders require the appropriate resources and empowerment from the broader postsecondary leadership and existing organizational structures in order to achieve success.
