Equity

In April, 1993, the Department of English and Film Studies (then the Department of English) established a standing committee on equity to “review equity concerns in the Department,” to ensure the consideration of short and medium-term equity objectives in a five to six year period, and to “develop the further strategies necessary for achieving the long-term equity goals of the Department.” The report represented the Department’s response to two equity initiatives at the University of Alberta: Developing and Implementing Department Employment Equity Plans, adopted by the Faculty of Arts in May 1992, and the Report of the President’s Commission for Equity and Respect. While these initiatives focused primarily on employment equity on the eve of a major period of faculty renewal, the EFS Equity Report broadened and contextualized equity to include a consideration of educational equity and our working climate. As a process enhancing our shared understanding of diversity, dignity, and respect, equity is integral to the culture of EFS.

Since 1993, EFS has maintained one of only two departmental equity committees in the Faculty of Arts (the other is in Philosophy), and has undergone major renewal in the areas of staffing and curriculum. At the same time, the number of offices, services, and resources engaged directly with equity issues at the University of Alberta has risen significantly. Offices, services and resources engaged with equity have also expanded greatly in Alberta and in Canada. This handbook is designed to provide a central location for equity issues and resources both on and off the campus of the University of Alberta for the benefit of staff and students in the Department of English and Film Studies.

Designated Equity Groups
The Government of Canada’s Federal Contractor’s Program designates four equity groups: women, Aboriginal people, persons with disabilities, and members of visible minorities. With respect to employment equity, the Office of Human Rights maintains statistics comparing the employment of these groups at the University of Alberta to Canadian society as a whole. The University of Alberta further recognizes sexual orientation as an equity category (as does section 15 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms). With respect to equity in education, EFS has strongly advocated for ESL/EAL students as an equity group.