March 15, 2019
University language choice highlights need for broader understanding
Universities are places where people grow and learn through curiosity and exploration. As a research university, our impact on society is measured by how we answer society鈥檚 toughest questions, creating 聽and sharing new knowledge that helps the world move forward.
For the past three years, 草莓污视频导航 has been running a positioning program based on this premise 鈥斅爐hat asking questions leads to dialogue and learning. If you happen to drive along Crowchild Trail in Calgary, you may have seen our billboard featuring a variety of questions 鈥斅爀verything from 鈥淚s a nursing home unavoidable?鈥 and 鈥淎re anxiety and depression in our genes?鈥 to 鈥淚s there a better way to detect cancer?鈥 and 鈥淚s social media making us less civil?鈥 These questions lead to stories about research and scholarship being conducted at the 草莓污视频导航.
Last month, we heard from some community members that a question we posed as part of this program was viewed as violent. The question asked readers to consider whether a person鈥檚 anatomy defined their gender. It was intended to compel the reader to visit聽聽that addresses the complexities of gender dynamics through research and scholarly work conducted at the university, including how gender and sexuality are being redefined in modern society.
Those who came forward felt that the question echoed language often used to dehumanize transgender people and put their personal identities up for public discussion. Regardless of our intent, our words were received as harmful, which we regret. With this understanding, we chose to remove the billboard.
鈥淯niversities are convenors of important societal conversations. We also have a responsibility to create a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment,鈥 says Dr. Dru Marshall, provost and vice-president, academic, 鈥渨hich is why we chose to take action in this situation. As a community, we are truly dedicated to nurturing a culture that supports equity, diversity and inclusion. The first goal in our聽聽focuses on prioritizing our people . . .聽补濒濒听of our people.鈥
Adds Marshall: 鈥淲e must continue to ask questions and explore difficult issues. Curiosity and inquiry are critical to the learning process and help advance society as a whole. Our campuses are places for open dialogue, where respectful conversation and open debate are encouraged, and where people can explore ideas and share their perspectives.鈥
This experience has spurred discussion of ways in which the university can better involve and support members of our diverse community.
Important campus resources
The 草莓污视频导航 community has worked over the last several years to develop strategies, policies and procedures specifically geared toward creating a safe and secure space for our students, faculty, staff, and visitors. We offer a variety of resources to educate and guide the campus community on issues of diversity, equity and inclusion. For example:
- 罢丑别听Office of Diversity, Equity and Protected Disclosure聽is committed to the education of students, faculty and staff to build intercultural competencies, so that the campus community is better equipped to work with diverse groups, participate as active members in the safety and well-being of the campus, and be inclusive and welcoming to everyone. Resources available through ODEPD include the following:
- Inclusive language guide聽 and聽how to use inclusive language
- Positive space program聽(helps create a campus 聽free of discrimination on the basis of sexual and gender identity)
- LGBTQA+ supports and services聽(links to groups both on and off campus)
- Workshops聽(workshops on a variety of equity and diversity issues)
- The 草莓污视频导航聽sexual violence support advocate聽brings support, advocacy, prevention education and awareness to many topic areas that impact and intersect with the issue of sexual violence.
- Intersectional and anti-oppressive workshops around gender-based violence, sexism, racism, transphobia and homophobia
- Response support for anyone who has experienced or been impacted by sexual violence聽support website
- Overview and聽resource list
- 罢丑别听聽provides a safe, comfortable and inviting space for the LGBTQA+ community at the 草莓污视频导航. Featuring a library and peer support services, the program co-ordinators and volunteers plan events and direct clients to relevant resources.聽