91ÉçÇø

Dear members of the 91ÉçÇø Community,

I am writing to inform you that we are extending by two years our Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Strategic Plan and our Action Plan to Address Anti-Black Racism.

Both plans are helping us become a better place in which to learn, teach and undertake cutting-edge research. They are expanding our understanding and inclusion of diverse perspectives, which increases our potential for continued excellence. Therefore, we see value in extending the initiatives through 2027.

I am proud of the progress we’ve made through these plans, developed by my office in close collaboration with students, faculty and staff across the University. Together, we set out an ambitious, forward-thinking vision for the 91ÉçÇø community with achievements that have included:

• Enhancing student support and inclusion through pathway programs, increased financial aid and specialized health-and-wellness services to support all of our students, including those from historically underrepresented groups;
• Advancing employment equity by exceeding the recruitment and promotion targets in our Strategic Academic Plan and reducing gaps in representation of equity-seeking groups within the tenure stream; and
• Promoting inclusive research by providing ongoing training and advisory support for principal investigators and research teams seeking to apply equity principles in their work.

The road forward

Equity, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to 91ÉçÇø’s mission and necessary to our pursuit of excellence. In the 2026–2027 academic year, I anticipate launching a new consultation process for strategic equity planning and for action on addressing anti-Black racism.

In the meantime, I encourage you to read more about our progress in our latest annual reports. I also invite you to explore 91ÉçÇø’s ongoing equity initiatives — including efforts to support Black inclusion and excellence — by visiting the Equity Team website.

Thank you for your ongoing commitment to these shared values. I look forward to continuing this transformative work together.

Sincerely,

Christopher Manfredi

Provost and Executive Vice-President (Academic)