There has been a push away from EDI (i.e., Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) policies, programs, and initiatives throughout North America.[1] For years, EDI has been under attack by conservative politicians and lawmakers, primarily in the United States.[2] In 2023, the conservative majority of the United States Supreme Court held that “race-conscious affirmative action programs for entry to higher education” are unconstitutional.[3] This decision, in tandem with the rise of anti-EDI legislation in certain Republican states, has allowed EDI programs to be cut from universities across America.[4] Similarly, major companies like Walmart, Amazon, Meta, McDonald’s, Lowe’s, and more have backed away from or altogether ended EDI initiatives, especially since Donald Trump was elected as the 47th President of the United States in November 2024.[5]
The attack on EDI is not unique to our southern neighbors. The United Conservative Party (UCP), the governing party in Alberta, has been aiming the gun at “the apparently evil concept of [EDI].”[6] After the UCP annual general meeting last November, writers at The Gateway hypothesized that post-secondary institutions would likely be “caught in the crossfire” of this anti-EDI trend.[7] Unfortunately, they were not wrong.
Earlier this month, the University of Alberta shamefully and reprehensibly followed this trend by officially announcing that the university will be moving away from EDI. University President Bill Flanagan (unconvincingly) claimed that the decision was not the result of political or financial pressure.[8] Instead, Flanagan asserts that the move “reflects a deepened commitment to creating a university community where everyone can thrive.”[9] Adding: “We have to be frank that some of the language around DEI can be
seen by some to be polarizing.”[10]
Instead of EDI, the university has adopted “Access, Community, Belonging” (ACB). Flanagan claims that this rebranding “does not change the university’s commitment to [EDI]...” but “includes them under a broader objective of campus-wide culture improvement.”[11] Reportedly, the chosen terms were derived from “consultations with over 1000 community members.”[12] However, Quinn Benders, the President of the U of A’s Non-Academic Staff Association, said: “The consultation was more about ‘We’re going forward with the rebranding, would you like to share your two cents?”[13] The demographics of this sample group have not been disclosed or reported on either.
While Flanagan expressed that the “fine print is not set to see a ‘dramatic shift,’” he also expressed that this is about “more than a change in terminology” and that it is time for “actions that better reflect the kind of community we strive to be.”[14] This slightly ominous message leaves uncertainty about the university’s values moving forward. How exactly will the university support Indigenous Peoples and other marginalized groups from systemic inequalities in hiring, workplace culture, admissions, promotions, training, leadership, etc.?
In the end, the university has decided to “evolve,” moving away from policies designed to uplift marginalized groups by addressing systemic inequalities.[15] Despite stating otherwise, the university cannot hide the true motivation behind its decision, which was to appease a broader, right-wing group of people who don’t seem to understand that EDI policies are not a threat to their opportunities and quality of life. This scenario is oddly reminiscent of those who responded to the Black Lives Matter Movement by stomping their feet and exclaiming: “All lives matter!” It is disheartening to see the university cave to far-right political pressures in this way. What’s worse is that this is only the first university in Canada to move away from EDI – we are likely to see more universities do the same, especially if a conservative government is elected federally.
How does this change make you feel? Let your voice be heard!
Until next time,
The ReconciliACTION Team
Citations
[1] Simon Blanchette, “Businesses must stop caving to political pressures and abandoning their EDI commitments,” Talent Canada (6 January 2025) online: <talentcanada.ca> [perma.cc/TNB4-U6VS].
[2] Laurie Adkin, “Far-right attack on EDI goals go unanswered by Alberta’s post-secondary education leaders” Canadian Dimensions (23 January 2025) online: <canadiandimensions.com> [perma.cc/8R6T-KC7F].
[3] Alexander Panette, “U.S. court strikes severe blow to affirmative action. Here’s what’s next” CBC (29 June 2023) online: <cbc.ca> [perma.cc/HE3R-V3BW].
[4] Leah Asmelash, “DEI programs in universities are being cut across the country. What does this mean for higher education?” CNN (14 June 2023) online: <cnn.com> [perma.cc/8432-BPB9]; Fakiha Baig, “University of Alberta rebrands DEI policy to ACB: ‘Time for a refresh,’” Global News (8 January 2025) online: <globalnews.ca> [perma.cc/485F-KEJ3].
[5] Trudy Ring Ryan Adamczeski, “These 13 major companies caved to the far right and stopped DEI programs,” Advocate (24 January 2025) online: <advocate.com> [perma.cc/PP9G-DRHA].
[6] Lean Hennig, “UCP sets its sights on DEI, PSIs likely to be collateral damage” The Gateway (8 November 2024) online: <thegatewayonline.ca> [perma.cc/3TY8-6PUE].
[7] Ibid.
[8] Baig, supra, note 4. See also Jonny Wakefield, “Campus groups respond after University of Alberta ditches diversity, equity and inclusion policies,” Edmonton Journal (6 January 2025) online: <edmontonjournal.com. [perma.cc/BR2N-MELM].
[9] Bill Flanagan, “Bill Flanagan: Why the U of A is moving from EDI to access, community and belonging,” Edmonton Journal (2 January 2025) online: <edmontonjournal.com> [perma.cc/C62Z-CVJN].
[10] Baig, supra, note 4.
[11] “U of A changes its inclusion strategy,” Global News (5 January 2025) online (video): <globalnews.ca> [perma.cc/EVV3-PW3N].
[12] Flanagan, supra, note 9.
[13] Wakefield, supra, note 8.
[14] Baig, supra, note 4; Flanagan, supra, note 9.
[15] Flanagan, ibid.
[Image] Greg Southam/ Postmedia “U of A president warns of more job cuts to address $127-million funding shortfall” Edmonton Journal (30 September 2020) online: <edmontonjournal.com> [perma.cc/RTV8-3997].
Comments