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Equity Diversity Inclusion Resource Hub – Addressing Discrimination and Barriers to Inclusion

This project examines the barriers in WIL specifically faced by marginalized student groups such as international, refugee, LQBTQ2S+ students, students with disabilities, and students from low socio-economic status backgrounds. The project explores tools and resources to help WIL employers and staff effectively address student barriers around discrimination and inclusion.

Project Information

Institution(s): Simon Fraser University
Original Project Name: ACE-WIL Equity, Diversity, Inclusion Resource Hub #118
Status: In-Progress
Project Dates: February 1, 2020 — September 30, 2021

Project Contact:
Amie McLean
amie_mclean@sfu.ca
Project Contributors: Akanksha Thakur (Project Lead)

The resources below have been curated from the project’s research findings and to promote more inclusive and equitable ways forward in WIL. The aim of these resources is for WIL practitioners and employers to feel better equipped in understanding the diverse and interconnected needs of WIL’s diverse students. These resources are not intended as a comprehensive set of strategies and/or tools for achieving goals of equity, diversity and inclusion in WIL and the workplace. We hope you will use these resources as a starting point for further education and understanding, consequently enabling more inclusive and equitable ways forward.

Project Resources

Understanding Diverse Needs of Diverse Students

British Columbia is the most ethnically diverse province in Canada. Just over 30 percent of British Columbians immigrated to B.C. In order for organizations to stay competitive today, understanding the diverse and intersectional needs of employees is crucial today. Learn more >

Recognizing Discrimination: Examples of Discrimination in Action

Discrimination may take many different forms. It can happen directly (intentionally) or indirectly (unintentionally), but the impact on the individual remains. When we think of discrimination, we often forget to acknowledge the indirect and subtle ways in which it can occur. However, discrimination today is a lot more ‘hidden’ than the historical examples of discrimination we often think of when we hear or think of the concept. Here are some examples of what discrimination can look like (intentionally or unintentionally) in different circumstances. Learn more >

Understanding Power Dynamics, Cross-Cultural Communication, Biases and Assumptions

Power dynamics are inevitable in relationships, they play a particularly important role at work, and are especially crucial when we bring into consideration the obvious power dynamics between a Co-op student and their employer. The same goes for communicating across difference and being aware of our unconscious biases and assumptions as we increasingly work with diverse individuals. Learn more >