Holland College recruiting members for new culture and inclusion committee
Group aims to break down systemic barriers, build more inclusive campuses
Holland College is ramping up its efforts to make its campuses more diverse and inclusive with the launch of a culture and inclusion advisory committee.
Sasha Nandlal, the Prince Edward Island college's culture and inclusion advisor, said the goal is to help the school become a more welcoming place for everyone by shaping policies, improving physical spaces and addressing systemic barriers.
She hopes the committee will help fill existing gaps in the system as the student and staff population continues to grow more diverse.
"It's important that we listen carefully and learn a lot. It's really going to give us a good representation throughout different ways in which we approach knowledge development and the way in which we look at research and the way in which we connect with industry stakeholder groups," Nandlal told CBC News.
She also noted the initiative comes at a critical time, given the current political climate.
U.S. President Donald Trump early this year signed executive orders making sweeping restrictions and changes to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, and many organizations have followed his lead.
"We want to make sure that we think about people first," Nandlal said.
Seeking diverse voices
The committee is looking for individuals passionate about equity, diversity, inclusion, Indigeneity and accessibility. Anyone interested can fill out an online form by April 4.
Nandlal said the committee is expected to have 15 members, and the college is hoping to include diverse representation from community organizations, unions, student groups and Indigenous communities on P.E.I.
"We really want to make sure and have everyone's voices at the table."
She hopes the group will begin meeting by May, focusing at first on developing an equity, diversity, inclusion, Indigeneity and accessibility strategic plan.
"What that entails is that it's going to create a ripple effect within different programs, policies, procedures, practices," she said.
With files from Island Morning