Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

Wilfrid Laurier University recognizes that excellence is impossible without meaningful inclusion that enables all members of our university community to experience a sense of belonging and flourish. The Office of the Associate Vice-President: Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (AVP: EDI) supports and guides the university in upholding these core principles of equity and human rights.

The office is comprised of three teams: the Office of the AVP: EDI’s core academic- and research- facing team, the Centre for Student Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (CSEDI), and the Office of Human Rights and Conflict Management (OHRCM). These teams deliver academic strategy and research; data gathering and reporting; events and programming; and spiritual care supports.

The office’s work is guided by the Strategic Plan for EDI and the university’s other EDI charters and plans, including the Scarborough Charter, the Dimensions Action Plan, and the CRC EDI Action Plan. The AVP: EDI Advisory Council (EDI-AC) was launched in spring 2025. This council shapes annual initiatives and programming that work toward advancing the university’s EDI strategic commitments.

The Intersection of EDI and Academic Freedom

Freedom of expression, which historically served to fight injustice, inequality, and marginalization, is often turned against those seeking justice, equality, and inclusion. The university upholds the value of free expression and diversity of thought as essential to the pursuit of knowledge. These freedoms are not unlimited, including in classrooms or other instructional contexts. (Excerpted from “The Intersection of Freedom of Expression and Equity, Diversity and Inclusion” statement.)

Message from Andrea Davis (PhD), the AVP: EDI

Welcome to the Office of the Associate Vice-President: Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (AVP: EDI). We are a dedicated team committed to supporting students, faculty and staff across Laurier’s campuses and locations. Our goal is to ensure every member of our community has a strong sense of belonging and the resources they need to thrive.

The Centre for Student Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion and the Office of Human Rights and Conflict Management provide front-line services and help to address the immediate needs of students, staff, and faculty.

The academic-facing team works to embed a diversity of experiences and voices into research, teaching, and systems, structures and strategy.

In 2025, we launched the Reporting Incidents to Support Equity (RISE) form, a climate data gathering tool that allows members of the Laurier community to disclose incidents of harm or bias they experience or witness. Anyone can access this form and leave a submission to either anonymously disclose their experiences or seek confidential support through referral to relevant university campus resources.

A core stream of the EDI academic team is also the collection, analysis, and mobilization of data that informs our work and advocacy. Core initiatives include the Student Self-Identification form (Laurier’s first student demographic survey), the Diversity and Equity Assessment and Planning Tool, and reporting on the RISE form’s results.

The spiritual care coordinator offers ongoing inclusive spiritual care supports, information on religious accommodations procedures, and multi-faith and inter-faith programming.

Please reach out to us if you need support at avpedi@wlu.ca.