Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Developed by KPU’s Office of Equity and Inclusive Communities, the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Action Plan is a guiding document that advances equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging across the university. Officially launched on July 22, 2025, the plan focuses on enhancing the employee experience and creating a more equitable, respectful, and inclusive workplace.
The action plan contains 80 recommendations organized across nine themes, including education and training, leadership, complaint reporting, health and wellness, accommodation and support, hiring, retention, and advancement. Designed to strengthen awareness and understanding of EDI and address systemic barriers, the plan aims to create opportunities for full participation across the university community. Read the full press release here: KPU officially launches its Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan
Anti-Racism
Taskforce on Anti-Racism Final Report and Recommendations
The Task Force on Anti-Racism Final Report and Recommendations is a foundational framework for advancing anti-racism, racial equity, and institutional transformation at KPU. Released on October 7, 2022, it is the result of two years of research, consultation, and engagement across the university.
The report affirms that systemic racism exists within and beyond KPU and presents 64 recommendations to address barriers and foster a more equitable and inclusive institution. Serving as both a roadmap and a call to action, it continues to guide KPU’s efforts to build a more equitable, inclusive, and anti-racist community. Read the full press release here: Kwantlen Polytechnic University promises action to tackle systemic racism.
Taskforce on Anti-Racism WordPress
The Office of Equity and Inclusive Communities, in collaboration with Teaching and Learning Commons, is excited to share this resource. The KPU Anti-Racism Pedagogy Toolkit, available on KPU's Pressbooks platform, is a comprehensive resource designed to support educators in creating more inclusive and equitable learning environments. It provides practical strategies and tools for addressing and dismantling racism and inequity within educational settings.
It includes 11 practical tools providing guidance on implementing anti-racist teaching and course design practices and establishing supportive classroom environments. By utilizing this resource, educators can gain valuable insights and actionable steps to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in their teaching practices.
SCARBOROUGH CHARTER ON ANTI-BLACK RACISM AND BLACK INCLUSION IN CANADIAN HIGHER EDUCATION
The Scarborough Charter on Anti-Black Racism and Black Inclusion in Canadian Higher Education is a national framework developed to address anti-Black racism and advance Black inclusion across Canadian post-secondary institutions. Rooted in the principles of Black flourishing, inclusive excellence, mutuality, and accountability, the Charter calls on colleges and universities to take meaningful action through governance, research, teaching and learning, and community engagement to remove systemic barriers and foster equity and social justice.
In 2021, Kwantlen Polytechnic University became one of more than 40 institutions to sign the Charter, reaffirming its commitment to confronting structural racism and creating a more equitable and inclusive campus community. Read the full press release here: KPU signs Scarborough Charter to fight structural racism
Black History Month
Coursera - Black Canadians: History, Presence, and Anti-Racist Futures
This micro-course explores some of the major histories, migrations, artists and activists that have contributed to the presence and survival of Black people in Canada.
Explore KPU Library's collection of books, articles, films and other media specially curated for Black History Month.
Organizations and educational resources on the history of Black communities in Canada
There are many organizations and educational resources across the country devoted to the promotion and awareness of the history of Black communities in Canada. Explore this resource to learn more.
Ramadan in the Workplace: Guidance for Inclusive Practice at KPU
This resource provides an overview of Ramadan, a significant month of fasting, prayer, and reflection in Islam, along with guidance on fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for members of the university community who observe it.
The Canadian Guide to Understanding and Combatting Islamophobia: For a More Inclusive Canada is a federal government publication providing a comprehensive, evidence‑based overview of Islamophobia in Canada.
The guide includes the definitions of Islamophobia, its driving forces, impacts, intersecting identities, media narratives, and practical strategies—for individuals, institutions, and policymakers to foster inclusion and challenge Islamophobic attitudes and practices.
Visit the Department of Canadian Heritage to learn more.
Accessibility
Kwantlen Polytechnic University’s (KPU’s) first-ever Accessibility Plan seeks to address identified barriers and challenges to disability justice and inclusion through a series of recommendations to enhance accessibility, equity, and inclusion for our campus community. The plan is informed by the direct experience of students and employees with disabilities who serve on KPU’s Accessibility Committee in addition to a synthesis of data from various sources, including recent surveys of students and employees. This plan identifies barriers across several categories and provides recommendations aligned with KPU’s Vision 2026 themes. Read the full press release here: KPU takes steps to become more accessible. Read the full press release here: KPU Takes Steps to Become More Accessible.
KPU Accessible Events Checklist
KPU Accessible meeeting guide (word document)
resources for neurodivergent employees and students (word document)
resources for neurodivergent employees and students (pdf document)
IACP Critical Disability Pedagogy
By Fiona Whittington-Walsh and Jennifer Hardwick
The Critical Disability Pedagogy website is an open educational resource rooted in the Including All Citizens Pathway (IACP) at KPU. This site offers a rich collection of fully accessible resources designed to support inclusive and equitable teaching practices across disciplines. Here you will find short, engaging videos on intersectional disability justice, academic ableism, and inclusive pedagogy; sample assignments and teaching materials; and downloadable infographics and presentations that translate research into practical tools. Whether you're teaching in education, health, humanities, or social sciences, this site empowers you to integrate critical disability pedagogy into your curriculum and foster learning environments that include and support all students.
Additional Resources
Conversations on Inclusion, Belonging and Accessibility in Classrooms and Workplaces - Lindsay Wood
Untold Stories is an Open Educational Resource developed through the Teaching and Learning Commons that amplifies the voices of marginalized students and educators, exploring themes of inclusion, belonging, accessibility, and allyship in classrooms and workplaces. Through personal narratives, case studies, and reflective activities, this resource invites readers to listen deeply, engage in honest dialogue, and take meaningful action toward equity. It is both a call to change systems and a celebration of student agency, offering hope and insight for anyone committed to creating inclusive learning and working environments
External Partnerships
KPU's employer partnerships provides KPU employees with access to a variety of resources, including live and recorded webinars, research articles, and no-cost registration to attend best practice forums and community of practice events.
Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion
Through the Office of Equity and Inclusive Communities all employees at KPU can register and attend CCDI webinars for free.
Indigenous Works
The Office of Equity and Inclusive Communities has partnered with Indigenous Works to provide all employees with access to their toolkits of best practices, community of support, and other resources to help further truth and reconciliation.
Pride at Work
KPU is a proud partner with Pride at Work Canada. Through this partnership, employees have access to live webinars and resources that support 2SLGBTQIA+ workplace inclusion. All KPU employees can register and attend Pride at Work events for free.
For more information on how to access these resources, please email oeic@kpu.ca.