University of Alberta President Bill Flanagan announced that the post-secondary institution intends to shift away from diversity, equity and inclusion policies effective immediately.
In an op-ed penned for the Edmonton Journal by Flanagan, he began by quoting the university’s first president Henry Marshall Tory. Upon founding the post-secondary school, Tory stated that the school’s mandate was “to create an intellectual and spiritual atmosphere in which prejudice and hatred could not live, a just institution whose work would be to assist in the unification of the diverse elements which enter our national life.”
According to Flanagan, the move away from DEI practices represents the school’s commitment to re-aligning with the foundational values of a public university, which include curiosity, rigorous inquiry, and the search for truth.
While he noted that “fostering dialogue and navigating differences can be uncomfortable,” such moments of discomfort are how transformative learning and understanding happen.
The decision marks the first university in Canada to officially move away from DEI practices, instead returning to a merit-based system.
Flanagan said that over the years DEI policies have “become polarizing, focusing more on what divides us rather than our shared humanity.”
After undergoing extensive consultations with community members, Flanagan believes it’s time “to evolve — not just in words but in actions that better reflect the kind of community we strive to be, continuing to build on President Tory’s aspirations.”
“This is why we are moving forward with a new framework and new language: access, community, and belonging,” he said.
The university president and vice-chancellor said the shift represents “more than a change in terminology,” saying that the university will take more action on “emphasizing common ground and fostering authentic connections.”
He went on to say that the language of access, community and belonging better represents the institution’s aspirations when it comes to creating a place of equal opportunity for students who may otherwise face financial and social barriers.
“Community underscores our belief in collective well-being and shared purpose. Belonging reflects our goal to cultivate spaces where individuals feel valued for their unique contributions,” said Flanagan.
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