Social Accountability
Our commitment to social accountability begins with a more inclusive School. Equity, diversity, inclusion, and antiracism are foundational to our values of belonging, excellence, and accountability. We will work diligently to ensure that everyone has a place and a voice in our enterprise, in order to maximize the potential of our community.
We affirm our commitment to the essential process of reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples. We accept the failings of our past relationship with Indigenous Peoples, acknowledge the role we played in Canada’s colonial history, and commit to the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
Social accountability also implies a commitment beyond our own walls – a commitment to respond to the pressing health needs of society, including health disparities in our region and beyond. Our commitment to the principles of equity, inclusion, decolonization, and antiracism is thus fundamental to our mandate to advance health.
Goals
- Respond fully to the calls to action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
- Increase our Indigenous faculty and staff complement, including by efforts to recruit and retain our own graduates.
- Establish an Office of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Decolonization (EDID), led by a new Associate Dean.
- Embed EDI principles in all selection processes, including committee composition.
- Improve student access for under-represented and equity-deserving groups.
- Develop curricula that address the effects of racism on health.
- Develop and implement antiracist practices among faculty, staff, and learners.
- Support research and scholarship in health equity.
- Identify and address the distinct health needs of Southwestern Ontario, including through training and retaining health professionals.
