Equity, Diversity and Inclusion during COVID-19

As we work to adapt to and overcome the new realities of working and learning in the face of COVID-19 , advancing UBC’s commitment to inclusion remains critical to ensuring the wellbeing and a sense of belonging of our communities.

During times of crises, various pressures can lead to exclusionary practices and biases that influence individual behaviours. Yet, at the same time, it is critical that we look out for each other and offer support to those in need. The shift to working and learning online has impacted members of our community in different ways and may have affected their ability to equitably participate in working or learning online.

In response to the challenges of these times, we are connecting you with ways to cultivate your knowledge of how COVID-19 impacts diverse communities in different and often disproportionate ways – and with the shift to online working and learning – offering resources that equip you to build more inclusive working and learning environments.

Access UBC’s COVID-19 site for additional information and resources related to the university’s response and available resources.

Intentional Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Decision-Making Tool

Part of UBC’s Activating Inclusion Toolkit, this resource is designed to help leader think and consider EDI during decision making in crises.

Download tool.

Get Engaged

Anti-Asian Racism

June 2020

With the reported rise of incidents of anti-Asian racism, join us for a series of engagements as we trace its history, current manifestations, and potential responses.

Sign-up for updates.

The Right to Eat: Tackling Food Insecurity during COVID-19

June 2020

COVID-19 has resulted in many hardships, including people’s access to food. Join our panel as we discuss how the COVID-19  has impacted our communities and their wellbeing.

Sign-up for updates.

Health (In)equities

July 2020

COVID-19 has impacted diverse communities in different and often disproportionate ways. We explore these impacts along the lines of race, gender, class, and other factors.

Sign-up for updates.

Equitable Decision-Making during COVID-19

June 4, 2020

Learn about a new tool designed to support leaders with equitable decision-making during crises.

Watch the webinar.

Covering COVID-19: Pandemic Reporting in Indigenous Contexts

June 4, 2020

Join the UBC Learning Circle to learn about the nuanced and complex nature of Indigenous reporting, including its unique ethical considerations.

Watch the recorded webinar.

News & Stories

Together against Racism and Injustice

UBC president Santa Ono shares perspectives in response to anti-Black and anti-Asian racism.

Read more.

Our Response to COVID-19

Learn how the Equity & Inclusion Office is responding to the challenges posed by COVID-19 and explore resources that spotlight the impact of COVID-19 on diverse populations.

Read more.

Religion in the Age of COVID-19

May 6, 2020

An interview with Dr. Sabina Magliocco, chair of the UBC Program in the Study of Religion, on finding meaning and long-term impacts of the pandemic on religiosity.

Read more.

Q&A: How is COVID-19 affecting food systems?

May 2, 2020
Hannah Wittman, academic director for the Centre of Sustainable Food Systems at UBC Farm, discusses issues in food system sustainability and consumer actions.

Read more.

Experts call for more equitable housing policy post-COVID-19

April 28, 2020
Academics from University of British Columbia and University of Ottawa share their views on the need for housing-related policy changes post-pandemic.

Read more.

When a virus is the cause, racism is often the symptom

Feb 28, 2020
Heidi Tworek, assistant professor of history, speaks about the complicated history of race and disease.

Read more.

Resources

Resources for IBPOC Communities During COVID-19

Access resources to support wellbeing and connection amongst IBPOC communities.

Learn more.

Guidelines for Respectful Online Working Environments

With the move to remote and virtual work, these guidelines are designed to support instructors, leaders, faculty and staff in creating respectful online working environments.

Learn more.

Guidelines for Respectful Online Learning Environments

Designed for students, these guidelines suggest ways that students and instructors can advance excellence, well-being, safety, and mutual respect in the virtual learning environments.

Learn more.

Inclusive Video Interviews Guide

As hiring moves to virtual interviews during COVID-19, this guide offers tips to ensure equity, diversity, and inclusion are part of any online interview process.

Learn more.

InclusiveUBC Zoom Backgrounds

Support inclusion at UBC at your next Zoom meeting with a set of #InclusiveUBC virtual backgrounds.

Download now.

Inclusive Teaching Resources

Consider how you can apply inclusive and equitable considerations to your online teaching so as not to unintentionally reproduce or exacerbate inequities.

Learn more.

Research

Access UBC’s COVID-19 research repository and explore research projects involving UBC researchers that are focusing on social and policy responses to COVID-19.

Research projects cover topics such as mental health, wellbeing, ecologies of vulnerability, sociocultural and behavioural factors, ethics and morality, and more.

Access UBC COVID-19 research site.