This week is gender equality week in Canada, with a focus on equal rights and equal opportunities. I am committed both as a person, and as President of Humber, to continue to seek opportunities to advance gender equality here at the college, in our community and through our international development endeavours.
Every day we are faced with examples of the disparity in rights and opportunities - in the news, in our own experiences and in the visible impacts on our diverse student and employee populations.
The arrest and death of Mahsa Amini in Iran this week is a painful reminder that we still have much work to do to advance gender equality throughout the world. Humber condemns all acts of violence, including atrocities committed based on gender, along with all forms of racism, sexism, discrimination and intolerance. Our learning and working environment must be inclusive and enabling for the rights of all gender identities.
Furthermore, we must broaden our understanding and acceptance of diverse forms of gender identity. We must ensure that all members of the Humber community feel welcome and that they belong and can thrive at Humber.
We know that Humber students and employees have been impacted by this as well. Students in need of mental health counselling can contact the Student Wellness and Accessibility Centre for support. You can also connect with the Centre for Human Rights, Equity and Inclusion.
If you would like to access services outside of Humber, below is a list of mental health services that support Indigenous and Racialized communities:
Staff may also access Employee Assistance Plan services.
We will continue to advance our values of equity, diversity and inclusion in all that we do.
Please continue to take care of one another.
Ann Marie Vaughan
President and CEO
