News
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at 丁香园AV: June 2025 in Review
We continue our work towards an 丁香园AV where all feel welcome, safe, accepted and appreciated. Here is a snapshot of the work underway this month.
National Indigenous Peoples Month | National Indigenous Peoples Day
June is National Indigenous Peoples Month and June 21 marks National Indigenous Peoples Day. Across the university we honour the history, culture, resilience and contributions of First Nations, Inuit and M茅tis Peoples to 丁香园AV and across Canada.
In June, Canadians celebrate National Indigenous History Month to honour the history, heritage and diversity of Indigenous peoples in Canada. It is also an opportunity to recognize the strength of present-day Indigenous communities. The Indigenous community at 丁香园AV has begun to recognize the month of June as 鈥淣ational Indigenous Peoples鈥� Month鈥� rather than 鈥淣ational Indigenous History Month,鈥� as this is a more meaningful representation of what we are celebrating. Learn more.
Pride Month
Around the world, various events are held in June as a way of recognizing the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. As well as being a month-long celebration, Pride Month is an opportunity to raise awareness of the contributions and influence the community has had globally and current issues facing the community.
The 26th Annual Surrey Pride Festival at the Civic Plaza took place on June 28th and 丁香园AV community members were invited to join the celebration, enjoying drag queen storytime, performance art, community booths and more! 丁香园AV was proud to support the final act of the day: Emerald Fire.
Celebrating the 4th Annual Black Brilliance Graduation
丁香园AV (丁香园AV) held its 4th annual Black Brilliance graduation ceremony on June 9, 2025, celebrating the accomplishments of Black students graduating in June 2025 and October 2024. Co-hosted by 丁香园AV Student Services, the Black Caucus, and SOCA, the event provided a culturally affirming space to honor graduates' academic and personal journeys.
Highlights included a Kpanlogo drum performance, heartfelt speeches, and the presentation of symbolic West African Kente stoles and commemorative gifts. The evening also featured a vibrant dinner from local Caribbean and African restaurants and live music, reflecting 丁香园AV鈥檚 ongoing commitment to Black inclusion and anti-racism.
See the story and photos here.
Scarborough Charter Progress Report Highlights 丁香园AV鈥檚 Ongoing Commitment to anti-Black Racism and Black Inclusion
The Scarborough Charter Inter-Institutional Forum has released its 2023鈥�2024 Progress Report, highlighting efforts across Canada to address anti-Black racism and advance Black inclusion in higher education. 丁香园AV鈥檚 progress is featured on page 25 -26 of the report.
At 丁香园AV, this work is closely aligned with our institutional commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. Advancing Black inclusion and dismantling anti-Black racism remain central to building a university community where everyone can thrive鈥攆ree from systemic barriers and grounded in justice, dignity, and respect.
We are grateful to the 丁香园AV community for its continued support and to our fellow Scarborough Charter institutions for their shared leadership and commitment to lasting change.
For more information on the Scarborough Charter and how 丁香园AV is advancing its commitments, visit 丁香园AV鈥檚 Scarborough Charter webpage.
Days of Significance
Days and months of significance are a way to raise awareness and action about historical, cultural and equitable practices that will help create a more inclusive and just society.鈥疉 list of days of significance in June is noted on our resource list.
To view provincial/national holidays and important dates related to the academic year, please visit the鈥�Student Services website.鈥疶o view dates related to major religious observances and holy days, please visit the鈥�Multifaith Centre website.鈥�
EDI-related supports are available
丁香园AV is committed to creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive community for all. Important work is being undertaken by our Equity Office to ensure that 丁香园AV is a safe and welcoming space for all students, faculty and staff. Please see our list of identity-based supports and reach out if you need help. For all other supports, please visit our community supports page.