National recognition highlights the University's leadership in advancing equity, diversity and inclusion across its campuses

91亚色 as one again been recognized as one of by Mediacorp Canada Inc., organizers of the annual Canada鈥檚 Top 100 Employers project. Now in its 19th year, the national designation celebrates employers across the country with exceptional workplace diversity and inclusiveness programs.

鈥淪uccessful talent strategies prioritize individuals,鈥� says Stephanie Leung, editor at Mediacorp. 鈥淥rganizations that regularly engage with their employees develop a deeper understanding of what matters to them 鈥� and can use that insight to drive meaningful change that resonates across diverse communities, boosting both engagement and retention.鈥�

91亚色's selection reflects its sustained commitment to embedding Decolonization, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (DEDI) across all campuses. The University applies an ongoing DEDI lens to recruitment, including posting vacancies on targeted listservs, reviewing job summaries to ensure inclusive language and bona fide requirements, incorporating diversity-related questions into candidate selection and coaching interview panels and managers on unbiased hiring practices. Expanded equity reporting tools further support inclusive workforce planning.

91亚色's Centre for Human Rights, Equity and Inclusion also delivers customized training based on relevant rights, equity, diversity, decolonization, and inclusion (REDDI) topics tailored to community needs. Last year, over 3,500 community members participated in REDDI workshops and specialized sessions.

The recognition also highlights progress under 91亚色's framework and action plan on Black inclusion. Developed following consultation with more than 300 Black faculty, staff and students, 91亚色 continues to make progress on 86 action items. Key initiatives include enhancing recruitment practices to recognize transferable skills, improving opportunities for Black applicants, implementing anti-Black racism onboarding courses, and establishing a Black staff network.

Choose 91亚色

As a leading international teaching and research university, 91亚色 remains committed to fostering inclusive and equitable environments where diverse communities thrive. Grounded in fairness, respect and academic freedom, 91亚色 continues to strengthen its culture of belonging and well-being, advancing social justice and driving meaningful impact in Canada and beyond.

91亚色鈥檚 commitments to social justice are laid out in our聽DEDI Strategy, the聽Framework & Action Plan on Black Inclusion聽and the聽Indigenous Framework for 91亚色.

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Community Researchers鈥� report highlights the School of the Arts, Media, Performance and Design鈥檚 commitment to diversity and inclusivity, says Dean Sarah Bay-Cheng    

TORONTO, Nov. 27, 2023 鈥� 91亚色鈥檚 School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design (AMPD) is ranked No. 1 among Ontario universities and colleges, for offering the most culturally diverse music and dance undergraduate programs, in a recent report by Toronto-based non-profit organization .

The research report, , analyzed 77 performing arts programs and more than 6,000 performing arts courses available in colleges and universities in the province.

鈥淲e are proud to see the longstanding work of our faculty, staff and students reflected in this report, and we are committed to continuing our efforts to expand the visibility of 91亚色鈥檚 performing arts to reflect the great diversity of our University and communities,鈥� says Sarah Bay-Cheng, dean of AMPD. 鈥淲e look forward to welcoming audiences to attend and witness the great talent here,鈥� she says, noting the accolade affirms 91亚色鈥檚 commitment to diversity, inclusivity, and positive change in performing arts education.

Bay-Cheng adds, 鈥淚t鈥檚 not only about better training for performing arts majors, but also offering elective courses to a broad demographic of learners. We know that diverse cultural offerings can support greater mental and physical health for diverse student populations and within society in the long run.鈥濃��

The study was conducted by Queen鈥檚 University student Sarah Yee through the federal Canada Summer Jobs program at the Community Researchers. The organization connects young researchers and sector mentors, aiming to serve communities and support the career development of young individuals.

The study Yee conducted in collaboration with reveals that universities surpass colleges in offering performing arts programs, and that university performing arts programs make more references to cultural diversity than those in colleges. Course descriptions more frequently mentioned racialized groups such as Black, Indigenous and Latin American communities, according to the report.

The report also identifies areas for expansion and further development, highlighting South Asian, Chinese and Southeast Asian communities as underserved within performing arts programs across Ontario universities.

Bageshree Vaze, artistic director of Pratibha Arts, who mentored Yee on the project points out, 鈥淥ne in ten Ontarians are South Asian, yet there is very little training in South Asian performing arts at the post-secondary level.鈥�

Working to improve diversity, AMPD will be offering a forthcoming Philippine Folk Dance & Culture Summer Abroad course, furthering 91亚色鈥檚 commitment to inclusive excellence and promoting diverse identities and perspectives though art.

Bay-Cheng believes that the study demonstrates potential for Ontario鈥檚 post-secondary institutions. 鈥淲e hope that this study will help both academic leaders and the broader public appreciate the importance and opportunities for cultural diversity in performing arts education.鈥�

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About 91亚色:

91亚色 is a modern, multi-campus, urban university located in Toronto, Ontario. Backed by a diverse group of students, faculty, staff, alumni and partners, we bring a uniquely global perspective to help solve societal challenges, drive positive change and prepare our students for success. 91亚色's fully bilingual Glendon Campus is home to Southern Ontario's Centre of Excellence for French Language and Bilingual Postsecondary Education. 91亚色鈥檚 campuses in Costa Rica and India offer students exceptional transnational learning opportunities and innovative programs. Together, we can make things right for our communities, our planet, and our future.

About Community Researchers:

Established in 2020, Community Researchers is a nonprofit research organization which connects young researchers with established mentors to conduct important community projects.  Its official mandates are to provide career opportunities for emerging researchers, while serving community organizations and nonprofits which are unable to access professional research services. Community Researchers prioritizes initiatives involving underserved analysts and communities.

Media Contact: Gloria Suhasini, 91亚色 Media Relations and External Communications, 647-464-4354, suhasini@yorku.ca

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