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This article was written in January 2021. Macewan's EDI action plan was developed envelope 2021-2022. Could this be the event that triggered the development of an EDI policy?

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Some MacEwan University students say the school has failed to take action on racism within the department of music.

"You have to make these choices when you experience racism of whether you're going to let it go and whether or not it's worth the fight," student Paxsi Mamar Lariri says. "It weighs down after time and I've really just had enough."

In a news release issued Thursday, Lariri outlines requests made to administrators to address the issues which they believe have been ignored.

The release refers to a document sent to MacEwan administration on Nov. 30, which included more than fifty letters of support and complaints of racism at the university, alongside a list of recommendations to be met by Dec. 14.

The recommendations include:

Curriculum that reflects the full extent of how Black, Indigenous, and people of colour founded what constitutes jazz, contemporary popular music, and all styles taught at MacEwan.

The implementation of trigger warnings on content involving missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirit people; residential schools; the Holocaust; prison violence; torture; and genocide.

Alternate assignments provided for self-identifying BIPOC students upon request in cases where the original assignment involves topics that would force students to relive trauma.

The creation of a music history course, and for Black and Indigenous music history be more heavily integrated into all music courses.

'It's very overwhelming'

In an interview with CBC News on Friday, Lariri said the decision to speak out was sparked by their own personal experiences at the post-secondary institution.

The 25-year-old, whose father is an indigenous man from Bolivia, said it's been an ongoing problem for years.

"I've been going to MacEwan for eight years now, and it's just hard to contain all of the experiences into one good statement or succinctly," Lariri said.

"It's very overwhelming," Lariri said. "People of colour, Black and Indigenous people already carry enough trauma.

"We shouldn't have to go through that at school."

Student Katrina Ying says she also raised racism issues at the university before she knew about Lariri's campaign.

"I was getting tired of experiencing these micro-aggressions and being in a space where nobody took it seriously," she said. "It was slowly, slowly wearing me down to the point where I wanted to drop out."

'Brick wall of non-accountability'

Ying, who is Chinese, said in one instance a professor commented on her eyes while providing feedback in front of a group of students.

"He said, 'I think it would be better if you conducted with your eyes open'", she said. "My eyes were open, it was a very awkward confrontation."

Ying said she raised some of her concerns with faculty but the response was disappointing.

"Just met with a brick wall of non-accountability," she said.

Ying has joined Lariri and other students in asking university administration to take action now.

"I think my more reasonable want would be for them to get diversity training, and get a lot of it," she said. "The more radical response I would have liked is to actually replace the faculty with people who are more diverse."

Lariri wants MacEwan administrators to take their concerns more seriously.

"What I would not like to see, is a week from now, a very sloppily-worded half apology from the president in my email inbox. If I see that, I'm going to flip my lid."

University embraces diversity, VP says

In a written statement to CBC News, MacEwan University provost and vice president Craig Monk said the university is committed to a safe and welcoming learning environment that embraces diversity.

"This includes listening and learning from student concerns about what we teach and how we teach," Monk said. "We welcome this discourse."

He said the university "has engaged with the student raising these concerns, and both the dean and associate dean are working to address them," and is aware of "the issues raised by other students and alumni."

The faculty of fine arts and communication has formed a committee in the past year tasked with looking at issues regarding equality, diversity and inclusion in curriculum and teaching, he said.

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MacEwan University students accuse administrators of failing to take action on racism | CBC News

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Some MacEwan University students say the school has failed to take action on racism within the department of music. "You have to make these choices when you experience racism of whether you're going to let it go and whether or not it's worth the fight," student Paxsi Mamar Lariri says.

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MacEwan’s EDI Accelerator Team brings together MacEwan leaders to provide capacity and support in implementing MacEwan’s short-term action plan on equity, diversity and inclusion.

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Athletes in Action is a group which supports student athletes & seeks to integrate faith with sport. It looks to develop the total athlete in connection with the Christian faith & relationship with Jesus Christ. Weekly meetings are held Monday nights at Saville Community Sports Centre where Edmonton athletes gather to experience community, share conversation (& snacks) as they explore a Bible teaching.

Contact: macewan@athleticsinaction.ca
Indigenous Students Club
From bake sales to comedy events, the MacEwan Indigenous Students Club sets up events for fun to be had by all! Whether it be Indian Tacos or just a movie night, MISC welcomes everyone to come out and enjoy some quality time with some friendly faces.

Contact: indigenousstudentsclub@gmail.com
InterVarcity MacEwan Club
InterVarsity at MacEwan University exists to provide a space for MacEwan University students to learn about God and develop personal relationships with Him. We are a Christian group that strives to generate conversation that uplifts believers and unbelievers alike and piques interest in discovering who God is and who we are to Him. Through public events, we build meaningful relationships with our community and show them what the love of Jesus looks like firsthand. Our group meets regularly to study the Bible, encourage each other in prayer and worship, and demonstrate God's love in fellowship with one another. Anyone is welcome to join us, regardless of religious background, to hang out, raise questions about Christianity, and meet new people!

Contact: Ivmacewan@gmail.com
Muslim Student Organization
The Muslim Student Organization of MacEwan University Purpose: The MSO aims to foster an understanding of Islam among the student and staff populations at MacEwan University, by countering stereotypes about Islam and Muslims through dialogue and action. The MSO also seeks to form a supportive community to the Muslims who are on campus, by offering services such as knowledge circles to help them stay connected to their faith, social gatherings to connect with like minded students, and giving them a voice by advocating on their behalf to the MacEwan University. The MSO will also act to be a positive force in the Muslim and non-Muslim wider community, fostering partnerships with other Islamic organizations, interfaith groups, or any other organization that will benefit the community.

Contact: macewan.mso@gmail.com

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Athletes in Action is a group which supports student athletes & seeks to integrate faith with sport. It looks to develop the total athlete in connection with the Christian faith & relationship with Jesus Christ. Weekly meetings are held Monday nights at Saville Community Sports Centre where Edmonton athletes gather to experience community, share conversation (& snacks) as they explore a Bible teaching.

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This journal article helped me develop an understanding of EDI in the local context. 

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Rethinking the Course Syllabus: Considerations for Promoting Equity,Diversity, and Inclusion

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Rethinking the Course Syllabus: Considerations for Promoting Equity,Diversity, and Inclusion

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If a vulnerable person fails in a University setting who's fault is it? The institution or the person?

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MacEwan Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) Action Plan 2021/22

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MacEwan Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) Action Plan 2021/22

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https://www.macewan.ca/c/documents/ohrde_edi_action_plan.pdf

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EDI Courses Available at Macewan University 

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EDI Courses Available at Macewan University 

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https://www.macewan.ca/academics/faculties-schools/school-of-continuing-education/programs/?id=SCE_00000000995&gclid=Cj0KCQiAz9ieBhCIARIsACB0oGIFYRelFhW24vcGgzbXG19vwJLAjIG6nJxbhPLcltPvBXvAzdGVESUaAgkZEALw_wcB
It's important to note that you have to pay for these courses, making EDI education less accessible.

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SCHOOL of CONTINUING EDUCATION

Questions?

If you have any questions about your enrolment, or if you would prefer not to enrol online, contact us and we will be happy to assist you.

School of Continuing Education
phone: 780-497-4400
toll-free: 1-855-797-4400
sce@macewan.ca

Corporate training

Let us develop and deliver custom learning solutions for your workplace. Contact our corporate training team at 780-497-5207.

MacEwan alumni

Alumni receive 10% off noncredit courses. For PD courses, enter ALUMNI10. For Professional Health Education courses, enter PHE10. Learn more about discounts on our student information page.

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This website requires Javascript. To continue, enable Javascript in your browser settings and then reload this page. SCHOOL of CONTINUING EDUCATION Questions? If you have any questions about your enrolment, or if you would prefer not to enrol online, contact us and we will be happy to assist you.

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Why Equity, Diversity and Inclusion is Important: A Self-Reflection 

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Why Equity, Diversity and Inclusion is Important: A Self-Reflection 

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Universities are the places where diversity and creativity can flourish. It is where new ideas go to be expanded and acted upon. It is important that EDI is a central concept in Universities as it allows for students to feel comfortable to be themselves and explore ideas that they would not normally be exposed to.

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What are Macewan's long term plans for the recruitment and retention of diverse faculty and students?

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https://www.macewan.ca/campus-life/opportunities/ohrde-idea-leaders/
MacEwan’s Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (I.D.E.A.) Leaders are students, faculty, staff and alumni who advance and promote equity, inclusion and human rights on campus and in the community. This is a recognition process.

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Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (I.D.E.A.) Leaders

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MacEwan’s Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (I.D.E.A.) Leaders are MacEwan students, faculty, staff and alumni who advance and promote equity, inclusion and human rights on campus and in the community.

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Future Directions: My experience with Graduate Studies at the University of Alberta 

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Future Directions: My experience with Graduate Studies at the University of Alberta 

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Based on my experience at Macewan University, I was nervous to being my Graduate Studies in Nursing at the University of Alberta. However, my concerns about EDI were addressed during the Graduate Studies orientation. I felt respected and included as a POC. This is a feeling that I continue to have as I move through my seminars with my professors and my peers.

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https://www.macewan.ca/campus-life/office-of-human-rights-diversity-and-equity/education-initiatives/equity-diversity-inclusion-week/

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HUMAN RIGHTS

Workshops, panel discussions, networking events-join us and gain a better understanding of initiatives that promote diversity and equity. Learn how MacEwan University is a hub of support for the academic, extracurricular and social needs of its community.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Week is an annual event that typically takes place in March.

Get access to videos, podcasts, social media and more, which spark curiosity and provide a space to appreciate diversity. We encourage you to Listen, Watch, Consider, Read or Follow.

FIND OUT MORE

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Every February, Macewan holds a Black History Month events

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How is Macewan being accountable to their EDI policies? I found no evidence showing how they are externally measuring their accountability to their EDI promises.

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If you are having difficulty with an instructor, your faculty/school or the University, we can provide you with support, guidance and representation

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Advocacy is important to SAMU and we advocate in many ways for our students. This Centre is your hub for resources and support in all realms of SAMU Student Advocacy. We work to advance advocacies for all students internally at the University level and externally with all levels of government.

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Student's Association at Macewan University 

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Student's Association at Macewan University 

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T rained volunteers can help students work through concerns which may include: school stress, relationship troubles, mental health, thoughts of suicide.

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Each term, $2.50 of your student fees goes towards supporting SAMU's Student Refugee Program (SRP). Working with World University Service of Canada (WUSC), SRP funds the tuition and housing of a refugee student for four years. With the help of a local committee group made up of students and staff, SAMU ensures all the sponsored student's needs are met throughout their time at MacEwan.

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Access and Disability Resources and Admissions 

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Access and Disability Resources and Admissions 

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ADR can assist you if any part of the standard application process is not fully accessible to you. Ex: Entrance exam completion

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My personal experience at Macewan University 

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My personal experience at Macewan University 

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I was an undergraduate student at Macewan University in 2011. I found that their EDI policies were lacking. I often felt uncomfortable with how diversity was represented in seminars an clinicals. I was a minority in my class and often felt ostracized by my classmates and professors.

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Office of Human Rights, Diversity and Equity 

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Office of Human Rights, Diversity and Equity 

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At MacEwan University, we are committed to working with all members of our campus community to build a discrimination-free environment.

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At MacEwan University, we welcome everyone. We respect human rights, celebrate diversity and embrace equity and inclusion. We build human rights champions who influence our community both within and beyond the university's walls.

The Office of Human Rights, Diversity and Equity works with the entire MacEwan community to build a campus that is free from discrimination. We can answer your questions about human rights policies and support your ideas for initiatives that promote diversity. If you have experienced discrimination on campus, we can guide and support you.

Nominate an I. D. E. A. Leader today

Do you know someone from a MacEwan stduent, alumni, staff or faculty who is making a difference in the area of inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility on campus? Until February 28, you can nominate that person for an Inclusion Diversity Equity and Accessibility (I.D.E.A.) Leader award.

February is Black History Month.

Join us for a series of events celebrating Black Canadian achievements and contributions, including opening ceremonies at Edmonton City Hall, on-campus pop-up shops, a film screening, a networking event and more.

Find out more

If you have a project related to human rights, diversity and equity, you can apply for support through The Equity Project initiative. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

MORE INFO

Interdisciplinary Dialogue Project

Annual teaching and learning experience unique to MacEwan that brings together faculty, students and staff from different disciplines, as well as broader community members to explore a social justice issue.

More info

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Office of Human Rights, Diversity and Equity

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Building a campus that is free from discrimination by working with the entire MacEwan community is the goal of the Office of Human Rights, Diversity and Equity.

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We acknowledge that the land on which we gather in Treaty Six Territory is the traditional gathering place for many Indigenous people. We honour and respect the history, languages, ceremonies and culture of the First Nations, Métis and Inuit who call this territory home.

This is noted on all web pages of Macewan's website

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At kihêw waciston we support Indigenous students in their journeys, providing a place where they can grow, work and gather in a community environment.

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We are diverse. We are inclusive. We believe everyone has the right to live, learn, work and play in a safe environment.

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(ADR) a webpage where you can access information about in-class and out of class accommodations. These must be made 2-4 months in advance.

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Ensuring access, providing accommodations, collaborating with the university community. Access and Disability Resources ensures accommodations are in place that allow you to access your post-secondary education fully and equitably.

If you are a student with a disability or medical condition, our staff can arrange the accommodations and services you need to remove barriers from your learning environment. We know that you know your situation best, so we let you take the lead in our discussions. Together, we make the decisions that allow you to participate fully in your post-secondary education.

If you have one or more of the following types of disabilities, or are experiencing other barriers to learning, you can meet with a learning specialist to make arrangements for accommodations:

Mobility

Sensory (affecting vision and/or hearing)

Communication

Learning

Attention deficit

Neurological

Psychiatric

Chronic medical condition

Temporary (e.g., broken arm)

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Ensuring access, providing accommodations, collaborating with the university community. Access and Disability Resources ensures accommodations are in place that allow you to access your post-secondary education fully and equitably. If you are a student with a disability or medical condition, our staff can arrange the accommodations and services you need to remove barriers from your learning environment.

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Macewan University Equity, Inclusion and Diversity Policy 

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Macewan University Equity, Inclusion and Diversity Policy 