June 29 update to community

Re: Report from the external Task Force on Misogyny, Sexism and Homophobia in the Faculty of Dentistry

On January 9, as part of our response to the Facebook incident in the Faculty of Dentistry, I appointed the external Task Force on Misogyny, Sexism and Homophobia in the Faculty of Dentistry, chaired by Professor Constance Backhouse.

This morning, the external Task Force released its report, now available for the Dalhousie community and the general public.

I would like to thank Task Force members Professor Backhouse, Professor Don McRae and human rights lawyer Ms. Nitya Iyer for their thorough, thoughtful and important work. This significant report will be crucial in assisting the Faculty of Dentistry — and Dalhousie as a whole — in building a more diverse and inclusive culture. I am also grateful to the many students, faculty, staff, alumni and members of the community who gave input to the Task Force.

Like the Restorative Justice report, the Task Force report provides an important perspective on this very serious incident. I fully accept its recommendations. Building a more diverse and inclusive culture will require the engagement and talent of the full Dalhousie community, and I am committed to working with all faculty, staff, students and our external partners to achieve this shared goal.

One year ago we committed in our Strategic Direction to fostering a culture of diversity and inclusiveness at Dalhousie. The past six months have strengthened our resolve to achieve that meaningful change.

Richard Florizone
President