Diversity Syllabus Statements
Including a diversity statement in your syllabus communicates and models your commitment to inclusion in your course. You can repurpose an existing statement from other Universities or write your own.
Things to consider when writing a diversity statement
- Acknowledge diversity issues within your discipline and consider how it may affect students of different backgrounds and how you can challenge these issues (ex. Art history canon is traditionally focused primarily on Western art).
- Consider how will you ensure everyone's voice is heard within the class.
- Think about how you will handle sensitive discussions around diversity topics that arise in the class.
- How will you demonstrate your commitment to diversity in your course?
- Commit to creating a safe(r) space in the classroom (see TMU's code of conduct).
Resources:
Harriet W. Sheridan Center for Teaching and Learning, Brown University. Diversity & Inclusion Syllabus Statements.
Everly Center, Carnegie Mellon University. (2021). Diversity Statement on a Syllabus.
Office of Teaching Effectiveness and Innovation, Clemson University. (2019). Diversity & Inclusion Syllabus Statements.
Finding Diverse Experts
One argument that arises when discussing diversifying course readings is that it's difficult to specifically identify and locate more diverse experts. To help solve this issue, many Expert databases have been created to promote diverse experts in a variety of fields.
- Database of Diverse DatabasesFrom "Editors of Color", this list includes databases for diverse academics and creators.
- Diverse Sources DatabaseFind experts from racial and ethnic groups underrepresented in the media.
- People of Color Also Know StuffCreated to promote scholars of color in Political Science and serve as an amplifier for efforts to advance racial diversity and inclusion in the discipline. A key aspect of our mission is to advance equity that is inclusive of all class backgrounds, gender identities, sexual identities, and institutional contexts.
- Women Also Know StuffSearch the WomenAlsoKnowStuff database for relevant experts when you are writing syllabi, planning conferences, organizing panels, selecting speakers, citing research, inviting essays and op-eds, and identifying expert sources.
- Gage: Powered by 500 Women ScientistsA resource for journalists, educators, policy makers and others seeking the expertise of women and gender minorities STEMM professionals.
- Writers of ColorTo create more visibility for writers of color, ease their access to publications, and build a platform that is both easy for editors to use and accurately represents the writers.
- Cite Black AuthorsWe seek to enhance recognition and citation of black academic voices. Our approach requires a shift from traditional citation practices that are passive and white-centric to active citation practices that both quantify and equilibrate racial representation.
- LGBT ScholarsTwitter account amplifying LGBTQ scholars and scholarship across all academic disciplines.
Resources for Indigenous ways of knowing
Stryker Calvez. Source and more information.
- Expanding scientific thinking to include traditional teachingsThis 2020 Ryerson Today article by Michelle Grady introduces Amber Sandy, Indigenous knowledge and outreach coordinator of the Faculty of Science’s SciXchange team. SciXchange develops programming to engage students and the general public with science. They work closely with First Nations communities and educators to incorporate Indigenous knowledge with science in the classroom.
- Four Directions TeachingThis site has audio files and animated visuals that introduce Indigenous knowledge and philosophy, which are free for educators to incorporate into their curriculum. Includes transcripts in Blackfoot, Cree, Ojibwe, Mohawk and Mi'kmaq.
- Indigenous EducationResources for self-guided learning from the TMU Centre for Excellence in Teaching and Learning.
- Supporting the TRC'S calls to actionThis 2017 University Affairs article by Sheila Cote-Meek discusses the role that university administrators play in supporting reconciliation.
- Truth and Reconciliation at Toronto Metropolitan UniversityA community consultation summary report published January 26th, 2018.
- Four Directions Writing GuideLibrary guide to assist First Nations, Métis, Inuit, and Other Indigenous students with writing university level essays.
- Indigenizing AcademicaArticle from Stryker Calvez (University of Saskatchewan) outlining principles and models for Indigenization in academia.
Include diverse perspectives
Start with a Library search for more diverse topics and authors in your discipline and consult our subject research guides, which can help point out key resources. You can also use Google and Google scholar or diversity databases (see our "Find diverse experts" section) to locate diverse academics.
Tips for diversifying readings from Tufts University Libraries
- Invite guest speakers who bring different perspectives.
- Use diverse A/V material (films, interviews, TED talks, podcasts etc.)
- Incorporate readings that challenge standard approaches
- Use primary research with authorship that reflects local collaborators.
- Offer multiple perspectives in assigned readings and let students choose which to read or discuss.
Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Learners
Microagressions in the Classroom
Activities
My Fullest Name Activity, Equity Literacy Institute and EDChange: Help students become acquainted by discussing their background through their names.
Religious & Cultural Observances
(From Human Rights Services) Religious accommodation is the right to have time away from study or work to practice the tenets of one's faith, as long as it does not cause the university undue hardship.
Cultural observances of Indigenous Peoples (First NationsMétis, Inuit, status, and non-status) cannot be easily defined and are not reflected in the calendars. Indigenous spiritual and cultural observances may include ceremonies that are connected to the seasons or to life stages.
TMU should make every effort to recognize and accommodate Indigenous People in our community so they may fulfill their spiritual and cultural responsibilities.
When planning text and due dates, you can consult these lists of observances, organised by month: 2021 Calendar, 2022 Calendar
Student Request form for Accommodation of Religious, Aboriginal, and Spiritual Observance