The Equity Myth: Diversity on University Campuses


Tuesday, October 24, 2017

12:00 pm to 1:30 pm
Room 1009, Kenneth C. Rowe Management Building
Dalhousie University, 6100 University Avenue, Halifax, NS
Facebook Event

Despite years of employment equity policies and an increasingly diverse population, universities across Canada do not reflect the diversity of the broader population. This discussion examines how and why underrepresentation of ‘racialized faculty’ occurs.

Note: There were some important comments made after the panel concluded and unfortunately they were not captured on the live stream.

From the Canadian Press: “'The myth that you share is that Dalhousie is doing a good job about equity and inclusion,' said Ifo Ikede, a former computer engineering and computer science student at the Halifax university. 'We’re swimming in a sea of white supremacy,' he said. 'The only people who are free to speak are white men and women.' . . . The panelists responded to his comments before ending the lecture.'"

We apologize for the time constraints and regret not capturing these comments in the video.

About the speakers

Arig al Shaibah



Arig al Shaibah became Dalhousie University’s Vice-Provost, Student Affairs in April 2016, a role created to strengthen the relationship between student enrolment, support services and academic operations at Dalhousie. In August of 2016 Dr. al Shaibah also took on the role of Acting Executive Director, Human Rights and Equity Services, with a mandate to lead and advance equity and inclusion at the institution.

Eddy Ng (Chair)



Eddy Ng is Professor of Organizational Behaviour and the F.C. Manning Chair in Economics and Business at Dalhousie University.  Dr. Ng's research centres on diversity and inclusion, including public policy on fair treatment (e.g., employment equity and affirmative action) in the workplace, managing diversity for organizational competitiveness, public service motivation and managing an intergenerational workforce.

Howard Ramos



Howard Ramos is a political sociologist who investigates issues of social justice and equity. Dr. Ramos has published on social movements, human rights, Indigenous mobilization, environmental advocacy, ethnicity, race and Atlantic Canada. He is a member of the Child and Youth Refugee Research Coalition and examines non-economic forms of migration and the integration of refugees and immigrants to Canada. He is also co-author of the recent book The Equity Myth: Racialization and Indigeneity at Canadian Universities.

Norma Williams



Norma Williams is the Executive Director of Diversity & Inclusiveness at Dalhousie University. Ms. Williams has over 20 years’ experience working in the area and in her role she is responsible to support the development of a long-term diversity and inclusiveness plan aligned with the University’s Progress on Report Recommendations strategic initiative. She provides expertise, leadership and collaboration on diversity, equity and inclusiveness matters in all areas of campus life. She is also Founding Member and first Chair of the newly formed Canada-wide Diversity & Inclusiveness Committee of U15 universities.


About the series

Policy Matters is a weekly panel discussion on major policy issues presented by the MacEachen Institute for Public Policy and Governance and in collaboration with the Dalhousie School of Public Administration. Each discussion features thought leaders from civil society and focuses on one of the Institute's four research themes – Civic Engagement, Atlantic Canada and the World, Health Systems and Governance and Smart Infrastructure. Held each Tuesday from September 12 to November 14, the discussions take place in room 1009 of the Kenneth C. Rowe Management Building at Dalhousie, from 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm. The events are designed to encourage public engagement with local, national and international policy issues and are open to the public.

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