Messages from the AVP

Photo of Dr. Arig al Shaibah

The future of EDI: A critical moment for higher education

In recent months, we have witnessed an increase in public discourse and policy shifts around equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) initiatives—most notably in the United States, where EDI efforts are facing heightened scrutiny, and here in Canada, where some institutions are reconsidering their approaches. These developments emerge within a broader global context of evolving conversations […]

Photo of Dr. Arig al Shaibah

Steadfast in addressing inequities and advancing excellence

Several commemorative days taking place this March remind us of global norms established to safeguard and promote the universal human rights and fundamental freedoms of all people and, in the current context, emphasize the need to counter the intensification of misogyny, racism and transphobia.

Educational resources on anti-Jewish, anti-Arab and anti-Muslim discrimination now available

I am pleased to announce that the Equity & Inclusion Office has now released three, new anti-discrimination educational resource modules. These are: The Introduction to UBC’s Human Rights Obligations and Discrimination Policy is a pre-requisite learning module to be engaged with prior to the other complementary modules. The resources are part of a forthcoming and […]

Photo of Dr. Arig al Shaibah

AVPEI end of year reflection

As we near the end of the 2024 calendar year, the AVPEI shares highlights from the past year and looks ahead to what’s forthcoming in 2025.

Photo of Dr. Arig al Shaibah

November days of significance and campus community-building

This November marks several commemorative days that are relevant for the Equity & Inclusion Office (EIO) to acknowledge given their implications for the sense of inclusion and belonging for our diverse domestic and international campus communities.

Photo of Dr. Arig al Shaibah

Days of significance and fostering a culture of inclusion and belonging 

Days of significance for Jewish and Muslim people are converging in a particularly poignant way this October. As we continue to hold space for grief, we wish to make space for Jewish and Muslim community members to recognize their respective religious and commemorative events.

Progress update on the implementation of institutional equity, anti-racism priorities

In June of 2023, a Strategic Equity and Anti-Racism Roadmap for Change was launched to progress UBC’s equity and anti-racism priorities. Now, I am pleased to release a report on the progress of our efforts and to invite you to join me at an upcoming session where I will share highlights. Please note that we […]

Photo of Dr. Arig al Shaibah

Reflection on the 2024 Transgender Day of Visibility

On Transgender Day of Visibility, March 31, we are proud to uplift transgender (trans) and non-binary community members at UBC and celebrate their strength, resilience and joy.

Headshot of Arig, al Shaibah AVP, Equity & Inclusion

Statement on the 2024 International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day invites us to celebrate the progress made on gender equity and inclusion, but also to acknowledge the ever-present local and global forces acting against these goals.

Photo of Dr. Arig al Shaibah

Celebrating Pink Shirt Day: Promoting acts of courage 

On occasion of the annual Pink Shirt Day, Arig al Shaibah, Associate Vice-President, Equity and Inclusion, speaks to the importance of courage in exercising leadership and fostering respectful and inclusive environments.